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| | | It's the work that counts, not the hours | 23/02/2007 |
Introduction | | As the annual 'Work your Proper Hours Day' begins, Investors in People is warning employers not to confuse hours worked with productivity, and to support employees effectively if they want to enhance their contribution. |
Publication | | 'Work your Proper Hours Day' highlights the amount of unpaid overtime worked by UK employees. According to the TUC, today marks the point in the year when the average employee who does unpaid overtime begins to start earning for themselves. Investors in People is urging employers to review their working practices and ensure employees aren't working excessive hours. This will help create the healthy working environment that every organisation needs to get the most from its employees. Those that ignore the issue risk harming their employee’s health and undermining their long-term productivity.
Simon Jones, Acting Chief Executive, Investors in People, said:
“In many jobs, there are times when it is necessary for people to work later than normal in order to meet that pressing deadline. However, when these long hours become the norm, there is clearly a wider issue which managers cannot afford to ignore. Long working hours don't always mean an employee is being effective – and a short-term burst can often mask longer-term problems.
“High levels of overtime leads to stress which can affect morale and motivation amongst the wider workforce, and potentially lead to increased absenteeism - all factors which impact on an organisation’s productivity and ultimately its bottom line. Effective support systems are essential to creating a 'smarter' working culture that energises employees and protects the organisation's long-term productivity. Managers must show that they are taking the issue seriously and should lead by example. They can act as role models by working as efficiently as possible, and letting staff know that presenteeism is not the best way to achieve good results."
An Investors in People spokesperson is available for further comment or broadcast opportunities. Contact the Investors in People press office on 020 7544 3118. |
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