As the world underwent a major transformation with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, much of the workforce was forced to adapt to new work scenarios, which significantly impacted the amount of work employees performed outside of the standard nine-to-five workday. A recent survey conducted by several research firms found that the percentage increase in the amount of work employees are doing outside the nine-to-five workday has risen significantly since 2020.

The rise in remote working and the growing need to meet deadlines and keep up productivity has led to employees working more outside of regular working hours. Majority of remote workers consider themselves working beyond regular standards, with the average workday stretching from 8-12 hours, resulting in more than 30% of the workforce working beyond the nine-to-five workday.

One underlying fact that explains the 2020 increase is the blurred lines between working hours and leisure hours. With the increase in remote work, employees no longer have the constraints of an office environment with clear working hours, thus making it easier to work around the clock. Managers and leaders have been found to be equally culpable, with many expecting employees to be on call even after regular working hours. In addition to this, incomplete job tasks or large workloads tend to make workers feel obligated to stay and finish work even past regular hours.

According to the survey, the most significant contributors to employees working beyond regular working hours are checking and sending emails, organizing their work files and schedules, and completing tasks. This is further compounded by the removal of traditional workspaces and work culture, where remote workers find it easier to work depending on their schedule, which ultimately leads to increased working time.

Another significant factor that explains the rise in the amount of work employees are doing outside the nine-to-five workday is the need to provide the latest services to customers. Businesses are spending more and more money on innovative support strategies to ensure customer satisfaction, with open communication channels being an essential component. With this, employees are required to be available outside regular working hours to answer customer queries, concerns, and provide support.

Employees working beyond regular working hours are at a higher risk of burnout, which is of great concern to businesses. Mental exhaustion, anxiety, stress, decreased productivity, depression, and physical exhaustion are some of the risks and effects of burnout. Managers and business owners are urged to assess the workload effectively to avoid overworking and provide options such as flexible work hours, remote working, and time off.

Employees working from home tend to find themselves struggling to maintain a work-life balance, leading to a compromise on their health. A study conducted by the World Health Organization indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work, and lockdowns have negatively impacted people’s sleep patterns. According to the study, more than 60% of respondents reported a range of sleep issues, including decreased sleep quality, insomnia, and increased sleep duration, which is attributed to work stress.

The rise in the amount of work employees are doing outside the nine-to-five workday has significantly affected businesses and employees. Although remote working provides much-needed freedom and flexibility, it also places responsibility on the employees to manage their time, be disciplined, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Businesses must provide support and make necessary changes to the work environment to avoid burnout, low productivity, and a decline in mental and physical health.

In conclusion, the percentage increase in the amount of work employees are doing outside the nine-to-five workday since 2020 can be attributed to the rise in remote work, a blurred line between working hours and leisure hours, and the need to provide innovative customer service. However, the cost of this increase can impact businesses and employees negatively, with a higher risk of burnout, decreased productivity, and negative health effects. It is important for employers to provide support and make necessary changes to prevent these adverse effects on their employees.