UK works most hours in the EU: TUC
UK employees are working more hours than any other member of the European Union, but often less productively, according to a new study from the TUC. Last year, British workers averaged 42 hours per week, compared to roughly 40 for the typical EU employee. “Overwork, stress and exhaustion have become the new normal”, said Frances O'Grady, TUC general secretary. The UK is the only major advanced economy that is forecast to show a decline in productivity growth this year, research suggests.
Digital & operational transformation | CFO & Board advisory | Business efficiency & Sustainability | Business mentor | NED |
There is a martyr complex for some employees that need to be seen working long hours. When I discuss this with European friends other countries have much stronger HR departments that enforce hours and make line managers either hire a new person or work smarter. In the U.K. & Ireland there is a bizarre need to show you are working long hours. Hence employers are happy to take advantage or accept it as normal.