UK workers work 215,8 hours extra every year. More than half (42%) of them do so without pay.
According to research by HiBob, an HR platform provider, this is equivalent to PS4,022 in unpaid work per year. This is based on Office for National Statistics data which shows that the average hourly wage for full-time workers was PS18.64 per hour in April 2024.
The study of 1,000 UK professionals revealed a correlation between the perceptions people have of overtime, and their ability to achieve promotions and pay increases.
Nearly six out of ten (58%) respondents are willing to make personal sacrifices in terms of their time and convenience to achieve salary increases or promotion.
Four out of ten (42%) employees are motivated to stay in their current jobs, given the current state of the economy. They seek promotions and pay increases from their employers.
Half of the respondents (50%) expect a pay increase in their next review while two-thirds (31%) anticipate a promotion. In their previous review only two out of five (40%) received a pay raise, and about a quarter got promoted.
Nearly three-quarters (72%) of respondents strongly supported the government’s plans to implement a Right to Disconnect Law dubbed as “the right to turn off”.
Ronni Zehavi is the CEO and cofounder of HiBob. She said, “Today’s study reveals a harmful work culture that exposes how employees believe they can advance in the workplace. The overwhelming support of the proposed Right to Disconnect shows that a nation wants to stop working hundreds of hours of overtime each year without being paid, but cannot see any other way to progress.
It is ironic that people work unpaid overtime in order to earn more money. Employers need to show their care for their employees. If they do not, they risk losing their best employees to competitors who have a better work-life mix, assuming that they don’t burnout before then.
Two-thirds (67%) were willing to learn new skills, and a similar percentage (65%) was ready to accept new responsibilities.
One in four (26%) people would change the way they work, such as if it was a hybrid, remote or office arrangement. More than one-tenth (13%) of people would change or cancel their annual leave plans.
The survey found that nearly two-thirds (38%) of respondents are likely to seek a new position when the economy improves.
One in five (20%) respondents said that their employer provided no training or development. The same percentage could not see a clear career path.
Zehavi added that “the current economic climate is causing many employees to stay in their jobs, but the fight for talent continues.” If companies do not prioritize employee development and wellbeing, they can expect to lose their best talent when the economy improves. Promoting the right of disconnect can be a powerful way to improve employee engagement and retention. It sends out a clear message that the company cares about its employees’ wellbeing and is dedicated to creating a sustainable workplace.”
