Overtime On The Rise: The 9 To 5 Myth

Overtime On The Rise: The 9 To 5 Myth

52% of New Zealand companies have increased overtime levels in the last 12 months, a survey by specialist recruiter Hays found. Of these companies, 56% said the weekly increase was 5 hours or less per week, 24% said it was between five to 10 hours and 7% said it was more than 10 hours per week.

At month end, 34% of companies said they increase overtime by 5 hours or less, 31% increase it by five to 10 hours and 15% increase it by more than 10 hours.

At year end, 37% of companies said they increase overtime by more than 10 hours, 20% increase it by five to 10 hours, and 16% increase it by five hours or less.

Of the companies surveyed, 26% said they had decreased overtime levels, while 22% said overtime levels remained the same.

“Five hours or less overtime, whether per week, at month-end or at year-end, is generally considered a reasonable level of overtime to meet occasional fluctuating workloads,” said Jason Walker, General Manager at Hays. “However when overtime becomes excessive, or is not recognised or rewarded, it can lead to lower productivity, lower morale, fatigue-related mistakes and accidents, higher turnover and increased absenteeism.

“When recognised or rewarded, used effectively and in moderation, overtime can help increase employee satisfaction as it gives employees an option to either supplement their income, or take time in lieu, and the company can increase or decrease overtime to meet workload demands, so it can be a positive tool for both employers and employees,” Jason said.

Hays, International Leaders in Specialist Recruitment Services, are Australia and New Zealand’s largest specialist recruitment and HR services company. Across Australasia Hays is one of the region’s largest corporate recruitment advertisers and our website has the highest number of unique visitors of any recruitment company website. Hays NZ offices include Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and is part of a 110 branch network over 27 locations in Australasia, meaning we are best placed to meet your specific recruitment needs.

© Scoop Media