Many office workers putting in extra time off the clock: survey

London — Two out of 5 office workers say they can’t avoid doing work tasks – often checking email and making phone calls – on their own time, results of a recent survey out of the United Kingdom show.

Researchers from OnePoll surveyed 2,000 British office employees about their work habits and work hours, as well as the effects their work behaviors have on their personal lives. They found that 1 out of 6 respondents frequently spend in excess of 11 hours a week on work duties while outside the office. Further, although nearly half said they enjoy their work, 65% are not happy about having to do it on their personal time.

Other findings:

• 20% of the respondents said they prioritize work over their personal lives.
• 25% would put their health at risk to complete a work task.
• 57% said they check emails/work projects during weekends, while about one-third look at emails as soon as they wake up or throughout the night.
• 20% noted they will take work calls or answer emails while spending quality time with family.
• 16% said they cannot eat a meal without checking work emails.
• 10% admitted to taking a work-related call at an inappropriate time, such as during a wedding or funeral.

“Many workers are showing real dedication, and it’s not without sacrifices,” SPANA Chief Executive Geoffrey Dennis said in a Jan. 6 press release. “Being overworked can clearly have some very negative consequences, impacting everything from mental and physical health to quality of relationships.”