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Current reports show that the UK tops the list of nations who work excessive hours. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) defines excessive working hours as any amount above 48 hours per week per person. Over one quarter of all employees across the country work in exces of 48 hours per week.

The UK leads the way for developing countries working excessive hours, Israel follows closely behind, with Australia, Switzerland and the USA bringing up the rear.

The report goes on to state that the continuation of a culture of excessive working hours in the UK will have a detrimental effect in the long-run, especially  with an ever-ageing working population. With this in mind the question of work/life balance remains a hot topic for employees and employers alike.

The beauty of work/life balance is that you can't say it's one thing or another specifically. The Work Foundation defines work/life balance as 'A policy that reflects individual, customer and organisational needs'. To you it might mean being able to come in to work at 9.30 after dropping your children at school, to me it might mean the ability to work from home when necessary.

The research supporting a higher level of work/life balance shows the benefits are endless, with increased productivity in the workforce, better recruitment, retention, motivation and satisfaction of employees and decreased absenteeism. A win-win situation it would seem!.

Sarah Hardes
Senior Recruitment Consultant