The hidden cost of overtime: Preventing burnout

The conversation around work-life balance has never been more relevant, especially as British employees now average 251 hours of overtime per year. With longer working hours becoming the norm, concerns around burnout, job satisfaction, and overall wellbeing are rising.

Despite these challenges, 42% of workers are choosing to stay in their current roles due to economic uncertainty. However, this stability is temporary—once the economy improves, many employees plan to seek new opportunities, creating a potential wave of job mobility.

For employers, this presents a serious retention challenge. As the job market stabilises, businesses may struggle to keep their workforce unless they take proactive steps to improve work-life balance, job satisfaction, and employee wellbeing.

To delve deeper into these trends, Liz Jones, UK Managing Director at people2people, explored what these statistics mean for employees and employers alike, as well as the future of workplace culture.

"Burnout and fatigue don’t just impact individuals—they affect businesses too."

With employees putting in 251 extra hours of work each year, the conversation about overwork is intensifying. Jones pointed out that while overtime is often necessary in certain industries, excessive hours can lead to burnout, reduced productivity, and even long-term health issues.

"We’re seeing employees working longer hours than ever, but at what cost? Burnout and fatigue don’t just impact individuals—they affect businesses too. Productivity drops when people are overworked," she explained.

The issue isn’t just about long hours—it’s about sustainability. Employees who consistently work beyond their contracted hours may struggle with mental exhaustion, stress, and a poor work-life balance.

"The expectation that employees should be available beyond their scheduled hours has become far too normalised. Businesses need to rethink how they structure workloads to ensure their teams can perform at their best," Jones added.

Despite frustrations with long hours, 42% of workers are reluctant to leave their jobs due to economic uncertainty. This means that for now, businesses are experiencing lower turnover rates. However, this stability is likely to be short-lived.

Jones highlighted that as soon as the job market improves, many employees will be looking for better work-life balance, higher salaries, and healthier workplace cultures.

"Right now, people are hesitant to make a move because of financial concerns and job security. But as soon as confidence in the economy grows, we’re going to see a big shift," she noted.

For employers, this means there is a window of opportunity to act now—before employees start leaving in large numbers.

"Retention is going to become one of the biggest challenges for businesses in the next year. Companies that don’t invest in keeping their employees engaged and satisfied will struggle to hold onto top talent," Jones warned.

Employers who prioritise wellbeing, fair pay, and a strong workplace culture will have a significant advantage when the job market stabilises. At the same time, employees should take control of their work-life balance, setting boundaries and advocating for sustainable workloads.

Will businesses take the necessary steps to reduce burnout and retain employees before it’s too late? The future of workplace wellbeing depends on it.

How employees can take control of their work-life balance
For employees struggling with long hours and burnout, taking action early can prevent job dissatisfaction from escalating. Here are some key strategies for maintaining work-life balance and job satisfaction:

Set clear boundaries
Avoid checking emails and messages outside working hours unless absolutely necessary. Communicate expectations with your manager to ensure your workload is manageable.

Track your work hours
Keeping a record of overtime can help identify whether your workload is sustainable. If you’re consistently working beyond contracted hours, it may be time to discuss adjustments with your employer.

Have open conversations about workload
Many employees hesitate to speak up about excessive work, but addressing concerns with management can lead to positive changes in workflow and team support.

Explore flexible work options
Remote or hybrid work arrangements can help balance workloads more effectively. If available, consider negotiating flexible working hours that align with personal wellbeing.

Prioritise mental and physical health
Overwork can take a toll on overall health. Scheduling regular breaks, engaging in physical activity, and ensuring sufficient rest can improve both job performance and personal wellbeing.