If a week at work is starting to feel longer than it has done in the past, it probably is because that is actually the reality, according to the results of new research.
Employment law firm Peninsula has found that employees are spending an average of half a day longer at work each week than ten years ago, indicative of longer working hours and a culture of excessive working.
Research found that over a third (36 per cent) of employees work more than 48 hours in a week, with the vast majority (96 per cent) doing so out of choice. Ten years ago 26 per cent worked more than 48 hours, rising to 30 per cent in 2002.
Alan Price, head of HR business practice at Peninsula, highlights the appeal of flexible working for business looking to offer a better work-life balance.
"Working longer hours can put a strain on personal life and it's ideal if businesses can offer increased flexibility working," he told HR Zone.
Mr Price added that it is easier for larger companies to implement flexible working.
The typical male worker in the UK spends around 45 hours at work, while women clock up 41 hours on average.
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