Workers clock up an extra 104 hours of work a year - on top of contracted hours
Diligent workers are clocking up an extra 104 hours a year of extra duties at work, on top of their contracted hours – and 69% of those are doing so without receiving an increase to their pay, according to research.
A study of 2,000 UK employees found that four in 10 have taken on a significant extra workload, outside of their day-to-day tasks – with 30% of those covering for long-term absentee colleagues.
Other common additional responsibilities added to their daily duties include taking the lead on projects outside of their job description (40%), and guiding or supporting newer colleagues (47%).
But many of those are asked to do so while they are still very new to the role themselves – as 23% claim they were assigned these additional tasks within their first three months.
When given the opportunity to try something outside of their usual work remit, one in four felt they did not have the necessary skills to complete the task – with 59% saying they did not receive any additional training before getting stuck in.
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As such, more than three-quarters of those polled (78%) believe that management should bring in the extra resources they need, rather than continuously loading extra work on existing staff.
Half do so in order to learn new skills, which they claim to be important to their long-term career progression (SWNS)The research was commissioned by recruiter Michael Page, whose managing director UK&I, Doug Rode, said: “Our research has revealed a growing trend of workers accepting additional responsibilities above and beyond their contracted remit.
“This “boundary-blurring” highlights a growing norm within the modern workforce – where workers find their previously agreed remits expanded across teams and tasks, to fit the needs of the business. In an era of increased scrutiny around work/life balance, and a growing skills gap, top talent is more valuable than ever.
“Businesses need to invest time and resources into finding the right talent solutions, both for now and the future – rather than trying to stretch existing workers to fit an evolving remit. That comes with a need to respect workers’ boundaries, too, and to play to their strengths.
“Whilst some workers thrive on taking on additional responsibilities, others may find the pressure overwhelming, making it essential that bosses understand their staff as well as their business needs.”
In addition to those not receiving a pay rise in recognition of their additional efforts, almost half (49%) go the extra mile without receiving a one-off bonus, or extra holiday allowance (51%).
The research found 79% said they would actively seek out additional tasks, while 69% praised the “all hands on deck” attitude in their workplace.
However, when given the choice by their employer, one in three workers (32%) have actively turned down the chance to pick up additional responsibilities – with 39% doing so due to a lack of financial incentive.
Nearly half (48%) admitted they already had too much work on – and similarly, 45% were concerned it would disrupt their work/life balance if they had more responsibility.
On the other hand, for some, being given additional responsibilities comes with a valuable confidence boost – as 46% said their expanded work remit shows the level of belief their employer has in them.
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But one in three have turned down extra responsibilities at work - with nearly half of those doing so to preserve their work/life balance (Brian A Jackson/Getty Images)And half of those surveyed said that adopting additional responsibilities has helped them learn new skills, according to the research, conducted by OnePoll.
Looking to long-term career goals, a significant 86% of workers agreed it is important to continuously learn new skills to progress in their career. Nearly three in 10 (28%) went on to say they believe it helps them achieve their career goals in the long run.
Yet, whether or not workers see the potential value of taking on additional responsibilities, the survey provides a caution to business leaders – support for workers taking on extra work is limited.
However, of those who did receive training support, two-thirds (65%) were upskilled in-house, while 48% received mentoring from senior leadership.
It also emerged that, given the current economic landscape, half of respondents have felt pressure to take on additional responsibilities, to remain secure in their jobs.
Doug Rode, from Michael Page, added: “With news stories highlighting layoffs and the impact of an economic downturn, it is understandable that employees are concerned about job security.
“Whilst this may increase their willingness to take on more work, overburdening staff can have damaging consequences on team morale, and ultimately jeopardise business performance.
“Our research has revealed a sizable demographic of workers who are happy to “muck in” and help out. But it has also shed light on the fact that workers hope for something in return for their time and energy invested – whether that’s recognition for going above and beyond, or financial incentives such as bonuses or salary increases.
“If financial incentives are not possible in the short-term, employers should be investing in their workforce in other ways, such as improving upskilling opportunities to help workers futureproof their careers.”
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