Overtime tipping work/life balance

Survey shows 52% of NZ companies increased overtime in last yr, Hays Recruitment GM says productivity may suffer

28 August 2004
'Nine to Five' might not be more than an old Dolly Parton song these days.

A Hays Recruitment Specialists survey has found overtime is on the rise.

Hays general manager, Jason Walker, says 52 percent of New Zealand companies have increased their overtime levels in the last year.

He says record low unemployment and improved economic conditions mean many workplaces are operating at full capacity.

And he says the pressure to meet customer needs means you either employ more people or make the ones you have work harder.

Jason Walker says some overtime can be rewarding, but if it is more than 20 hours a week, it can create issues with the work/life balance and lead to fatigue, low morale and lower productivity.

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