A recent YouGov survey highlights the impact of work on personal life, especially among women and people aged 25-49.
- 80% of the respondents have worked beyond their contracted hours, with women slightly more affected than men.
- 68% frequently check work emails outside of office hours, particularly in the 25-49 age group.
- Half of those surveyed have altered or cancelled their leave due to work obligations.
- There is strong support for legislation that would allow employees to disconnect from work after hours.
A YouGov survey commissioned by Purbeck Insurance Services reveals significant overlap between work and personal time for many in the UK. The survey found that 80% of participants have worked beyond their contracted hours, with women reporting slightly higher instances (82%) compared to men (77%). This trend is especially prevalent among those aged 25-49, a demographic more likely to have young families.
Additionally, the survey indicates that 68% of respondents regularly check emails outside business hours. This habit is most common among people aged 25-49, with the statistic reaching 75%</strong%. Women again show higher engagement with work emails post-hours at a rate of 70%</strong%, compared to 67%</strong% for men.
The disruption of personal plans due to work is also notable. 50%</strong% of respondents have changed or cancelled their days off because of work requirements, a trend slightly more pronounced in women (52%) than men (49%). This aligns with the finding that 37%</strong% of all surveyed have not taken their complete annual leave, a situation more frequent among individuals in Scotland and within the 50-64 age group.
The survey also uncovers a significant desire for the right to disconnect from work outside office hours. An overwhelming 79%</strong% support such legislation, with 49%</strong% expressing strong backing. This sentiment is particularly strong among women, with 83%</strong% in favour, compared to 75%</strong% of men. Opposition to this right is minimal, primarily coming from the 65 and older demographic at a rate of 19%</strong%.
According to Todd Davison of Purbeck Insurance Services, these findings underscore the encroachment of work on personal time, especially for women. Davison warns of potential burnout should this trend continue unchecked and advocates for businesses to address the issue, encouraging employees to fully utilise their annual leave and manage work hours more effectively.
The survey highlights the critical need for policies empowering employees to disconnect after hours to prevent burnout and promote work-life balance.
