Rather than increasing productivity, working longer hours is leading to burnout and adversely affecting retention rates. Research has now revealed full-time Australian workers are working an average 42.25 hours a week – that’s over 4 hours more than the standard employment contract of 38 hours per week.
Working for free now equates to $71.2 billion in unpaid overtime each year.
1. A reputation
2. The research found 34% of Australian workers changed employers because they felt there was no work/life balance.
3. Conversely, 62% of respondents said they stayed with an employer because they enjoyed the organisation’s commitment to offering work/life balance.
4. Businesses that value employee recreation time experienced 28% lower staff turnover. When this is considered alongside the costs of recruitment and training new staff, this figure has a significant and positive impact on the profits of a business.
Beware Of Cultural Norms
It’s easy for an organisation to slip into the habit of expecting staff to work outside regular working hours in the misguided belief it shows commitment, engagement and boosts productivity. But the research is conclusive.
When your team believes your organisation values personal time as much as it does work time, you will have highly satisfied and more productive workers.
If you want to boost the productivity and retention rates of your team, talk to the experts at End2End Business Solutions on 02 8977 4002.