Brits unable to switch off from work

Everyone knows it is important for your employees to take time to unwind – but more than seven in ten Brits admit they struggle to switch off from work once they’ve left the office.

The survey of 1,200 UK workers from CV Library found that 72.4% of Brits reply to work-related emails, or make work-related calls, in their free time. What’s more, one in three (34.8%) admit that they check their phone for work purposes immediately before they go to sleep and as soon as they wake up.

Respondents were also asked to share how working outside of their contracted hours has affected their life. The top problems were:

• Poor quality of sleep – 52.8%
• Increased stress levels – 51.9%
• Feeling exhausted – 50.6%
• Spending less time with family – 47.6%
• Unable to do enjoyable hobbies – 38.8% 

“It’s concerning to learn that such a large percentage of UK professionals are continuing to work outside of their contracted hours,” said Lee Biggins, Founder and Managing Director of CV-Library. “While technology has opened us up to a world of opportunities, it also makes it all too easy to access emails and shared drives from home. And it’s clear that this is having a negative impact on their wellbeing, with many losing sleep, feeling increasingly stressed and having less time to enjoy their private lives.”