Why Are Working Days Getting Longer? Unpacking the Modern Work Dilemma

So many people are finding that the once-clear boundaries between work and personal life are fading fast. For many, the working day has steadily lengthened, raising questions about why this is happening and what it means for employee well-being and productivity. Let's explore some of the driving forces behind this trend and its impact on employees.

1. Technology and Remote Work: A Double-Edged Sword

The rise of technology and remote work has reshaped how we work. At first glance, it seemed to promise flexibility and freedom, allowing employees to work from anywhere at any time. However, many are experiencing that that convenience comes with a cost.?

Emails, Slack messages, and virtual meetings now follow us beyond the office. According to a study by the CIPD , over 55% of remote workers in the UK find it difficult to "switch off" from work, with many reporting a significant increase in after-hours communication technology allows us to work from anywhere, it also encourages the expectation of constant availability.

As one workplace expert, Laura Vanderkam, notes: ?

"The ability to work from anywhere often translates into working from everywhere."

2. Increased Workloads: Doing More with Less

Another significant driver of longer workdays is the increasing demand on employees to handle more tasks with fewer resources. Following economic shifts and widespread redundancies during the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have struggled to regain their pre-pandemic staffing levels. The result? Fewer people doing more work.

In fact, The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that UK productivity per worker rose by 2.7% in 2023, but this increase is often coming at the cost of employees' time. The modern workplace seems to be asking for more output with fewer hands on deck.

3. The Always-On Culture: The Unspoken Pressure

The modern work culture often carries an implicit expectation of constant availability. The fear of missing out, or being perceived as "slacking," leads to employees checking their emails, responding to messages, and taking work calls after hours.

A 2022 study by 德勤 revealed that 70% of workers feel compelled to be 'always-on,' especially in competitive industries like finance, law, and tech. This culture of over-availability is detrimental to mental health and often leads to burnout. Professor Jeffrey Pfeffer, an expert on workplace culture at Stanford University, notes:

The always-on culture has become a badge of honor for many workers, but it’s eroding both their mental and physical health.”

Impact on Employees

So, what’s the cost of longer working days? The effects are far-reaching:

Higher Stress Levels ?

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that work-related stress has increased by 20% since 2019, and longer hours are a major contributor. Constant connectivity and the pressure to perform lead to elevated stress levels, affecting both professional performance and personal relationships.

Burnout and Mental Health Struggles ?

With extended workdays comes burnout. The World Economic Forum reports that burnout is now considered an "occupational phenomenon" by the WHO.

In the UK, Mind reports that 1 in 5 workers have called in sick due to stress but lied about the reason . This culture of overwork is clearly unsustainable.

Decreased Productivity Over Time ?

Ironically, while companies may believe longer hours lead to greater productivity, research shows the opposite. A study from 美国斯坦福大学 indicates that after working 50 hours in a week, productivity sharply declines, and after 55 hours, productivity drops so significantly that those extra hours produce little to no benefit.

Why It's Time for Change

The trend of longer working days is unsustainable. For businesses focused on long-term success, prioritising employee well-being isn’t just the right thing to do - it’s also a strategic advantage. When employees feel balanced, they're more productive, creative, and engaged.

By embracing policies that promote work-life balance - like flexible hours, mandatory off times, or mental health initiatives - companies can combat burnout and retain top talent. After all, thriving employees lead to thriving organisations.

Moving Forward

As we continue to navigate the evolving workplace landscape, it's critical to reevaluate how we approach work. The technology that once promised flexibility must now be managed to ensure it doesn’t consume every waking hour. And businesses must recognise that long-term success is built on the foundation of healthy, balanced employees.

It’s time to reshape the working day for the better. Let's start by giving employees the space to thrive - both in and out of the office.