The study sheds some light on how the cost of living crisis has affected the workforce. A quarter of respondents (25%) expressed increased stress in their job due to economic challenges over the last two years.
According to the report, 17 percent of employees consistently work two hours longer than their contractual commitments each day.
Three in ten (30%) people are concerned about the rising cost of living. They fear they will need to continue working beyond the age at which the state pension is payable to survive.
Impact of Personal and Domestic Life
The cost of living crisis has impacted the personal and family life of a large portion of the workforce. Ten percent of respondents admit that they have difficulty disconnecting from their work. This indicates a struggle to maintain a balance between work and life.
The survey reveals that workers are using a variety of coping strategies to cope with increasing pressure. 16 percent of workers check their emails and chats online more frequently outside working hours. 12 percent have fewer breaks and 11 percent begin work earlier. In addition, 15 percent of employees feel they must prove their worth by consistently working every day.
‘Always On’ Work Culture Challenges
Dan Crook, Canada Life’s Protection’s Sales Director, commented on the worrying findings. He stated, “The always-on’ work culture that we’ve been adopting over the past few decades came into focus during the pandemic as we set up new hybrid ways ofworking and home desks. The novelty of working from home is over, but the “always on” hangover still remains.
Crook highlights the potential toll that overtime can have. He points out that a full-time role working an extra two hours a day, perhaps unpaid, would equate to 520 additional hours per year. This is equivalent to PS9 048 based on average wages.
Employee Responsibility and Wellness Programs
The study highlights the important role that employers play in creating a healthy work environment. Crook encourages employers to allow staff to take breaks, recover from illnesses, and to detach themselves from the daily grind. He encourages the implementation of wellness programmes to cultivate and retain a collaborative, productive and happy work culture.
The data shows that well-rested workers are essential for maintaining a positive and productive working environment.
