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March 2023 - Business Support

More than half of British workers feel overworked in their current role: A survey of UK employees has found that more than half (53%) are feeling overworked, with young professionals aged 25-34 feeling the pressure the most. This was followed by staff aged 55 and over. 

The HR survey by people and analytics company, Viser, asked respondents for the reasons behind them feeling overworked, with 'reaching maximum capacity', 'being spread too thin' or 'stress caused by the threat of additional work', being cited. 

The research comes at a time when many companies are scaling back due to the cost of living crisis, and as a result many current employees are being asked to take on more responsibility. It found that 40% of respondents said they would seek out a new job with a better work-life balance if they felt overworked. 

Also revealed by the survey was that three in 10 employees feel that their employer has increased their workload/responsibility beyond that of the job they were hired to do initially, with almost a quarter saying that their employer expects or encourages them to do additional work outside of their job description. 

Of those who are experiencing an increased workload, 40% said it has led to them feeling anxious, with a quarter (24%) saying it has resulted in them reaching their 'mental limit'. While 40% of respondents said they would seek out a new job with a better work-life balance if they felt overworked, 60% of those who are feeling overworked said that they would love to find an alternative role but the cost of living crisis is causing them to hold back. This is due to the element of risk it may carry. 

The research also found that feeling overwhelmed was not just to do with work. Six in 10 respondents said that the cost of living crisis was causing them concern (61%), whilst family responsibilities were cited as contributors to feeling overwhelmed by a third of respondents (34%). 

The survey asked workers what their employers could do to support them better, with 39% saying that moving to a four-day week would be preferable, while 30% said 'flexible working' and 37% said 'compensation for the work they do'. Three in 10 said that an early finish on a Friday would be key (31%).

Ben Harris, Director EMEA North, Visier, said:

"This data is a warning signal for employers attempting to buckle down and push for more from their employees. For many, workloads no longer feel bearable, whether it’s directly related to additional responsibilities, or outside pressure. With business leaders under immense pressure to sustain output, it’s critical they establish a sustainable environment for their employees or risk seeing employees hit exhaustive levels or burn out or leave entirely.”

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