Overtime work is acceptable and necessary
According to a recent survey by Startups.co.uk , more than a third of UK business leaders (39%) believe that it is necessary or acceptable for their employees to work longer hours than they are contracted.
Only 11% of business leaders think this is unfair to employees and detrimental to their wellbeing.
The “always-on” culture of young startups
The UK startup companies that are under a year old have a rate above the average of 45% who find it acceptable or necessary to contact their employees outside working hours.
It could be because many young companies have a culture of rapid communication and flexible responsibilities in order to survive.
UK lags behind Europe in right to switch-off policies
At the moment, British workers do not have an official right to disconnect from their jobs outside of working hours .
The UK is currently behind other European countries , such as France and Italy, who have taken steps to stop workers from being contacted outside of working hours.
After years of blurring lines and the rise of hybrid and remote working, and technological advances, the UK has called for a Right to Switch Off Policy.
What is the UK government doing?
The Employment Rights Bill did not include the Right to Switch Off, despite the fact that stress and burnout are on the rise.
Editor at Startups.co.uk Zohra HUDA says:
The Right To Switch Off Debate has left small businesses in a difficult situation. They want to be fair to their employees, but at what price to their productivity and profits?
The government is reluctant to act, and it could be a difficult year for navigating the muddy waters.
The first time HR news published the article Overtime is considered necessary and acceptable by over a third of UK business leaders.
