Millions of workers are losing the battle for better work/life balance due to excessive unpaid overtime and feel they have little control over how to change the situation, according to a 2014 study.
While some workers have seen some improvement in their work/life balance over the past few years, the number of those still struggling has been climbing, to a point where workers feel stressed, overwhelmed, and maxed out. The study found that 58% of Canadians still report “overload” associated with their many roles. In Australia that figure is up to 69% while a staggering 89% was recorded within the US.
In the last 10 years employers have come along way in helping to promoting a better work/life balance but there is still so much more that could be done. On average full-time workers reported working six hours unpaid overtime each week and part-timers, three hours. This ‘donated’ contribution adds up to the equivalent of $109.6 billion worth of unpaid overtime across the workforce.
"Helping employees balance work and personal life remains a pain point for many companies," said Jim Link, Chief Human Resources Officer for Randstad North America. "With technology blurring workday boundaries, employees can easily slip into a pattern of being 'always available,' especially if their boss or co-workers engage in business after hours."
Feeling guilty about separating work and personal life is not restricted to just vacation time. The study discovered that 45% of workers feel obligated to respond to emails after hours, while 47% feel guilty if they don't work - either on site or from home - when sick.
“Many workers continue to struggle with the idea of saying no to last-minute meetings at the end of a working day, or turning their smartphone to silent when they get home, and the numerous studies have shown that workers are more productive if they take scheduled breaks and annual leave.”
Link also pointed out that because managers now have 24/7 access to their staff, it is incumbent upon managers to be mindful that their actions set the tone about being "on" outside of normal work time.
But this responsibility doesn't just rest on the shoulders of the managers. “Policy-makers have failed dismally at finding solutions for what has become an enduring issue for workers. Finding ways to improve work/life balance shouldn’t be the sole responsibility of individual workers.”
“It is disappointing that over the life of the Go Home on Time Day initiative in Canada and the UK we have not seen a more remarkable improvement in people’s circumstances, especially with regard to unpaid overtime. We might yet be having the same conversation in another six years."
The vast majority (77%) of workers surveyed believe that employers have more power than employees in negotiating work/life balance, more than one-third of workers (35%) believe achieving work/life balance would harm their career, and a significant number (62%) believe that laws are necessary to ensure that everyone can achieve work/life balance.
“For many workers rocking the boat appears to be a genuine concern. If seeking better balance is perceived to be a threat to career prospects people are unlikely to freely raise the issue with their boss,” says Denniss.
Of those who reported an improvement in their work/life balance over the past five years, the key reason given was a change in job (51%) and reduced working hours (42%).
Below are five tips to help you go home on time
Decide what time you’re going home before you go to work
Identify early any tasks that might prevent you from going home on time and speak to your manager about their expectations
Take a lunch break – it can clear the head and boost productivity
Schedule activities for after work e.g. meet a friend at the gym, take the kids to the park
Make a commitment to go home on time once a week or once a month; it’s easier to do something if it is seen as routine.