An alarming percentage of working Australians are working an extra half hour a day in unpaid overtime, according to a new survey conducted by The Australia Institute.

 

Over 2.2 million Australians head out to work each day unclear exactly when they’ll knock off for the day, with a million of those working an additional half hour, and a further 1.2 million cracking on for an additional hour.

 

The survey of 1,495 Australians was conducted for this years national Go Home On Time Day, which will be held on Wednesday 21 November.

 

“This new data shows why so many Australians find it difficult to juggle their work life and the rest of their life. Working long, or very unpredictable, hours can place a lot of strain on people’s relationships as well as their physical and mental health,” The Australia Institute’s Executive Director Richard Denniss said.

 

Dr Dennis said the evolution to a more flexible workplace had seen definite barriers of work hours gradually eroded, which was particularly troubling given the inflexible nature of the most of life’s commitments.

 

The survey found that around 3.2 million Australians experience stress or anxiety as a result of their working arrangements, with 2.9 million experiencing a loss of sleep and 2.2 million reporting adverse impacts on their ability to meet family commitments.

 

beyondblue: the national depression and anxiety initiative is supporting Go Home On Time to help raise awareness of the link between overwork and stress with anxiety and depression and to encourage organisations to take prevention seriously.

 

CEO of beyondblue Ms Kate Carnell AO said addressing the issue of workload is a win/win situation, with healthier employees resulting in more productive workplaces.

 

“We urge workplaces across the country to use Go Home On Time Day as an opportunity to start this conversation and ensure it continues long after the day is over,” said Ms Carnell.