IT staff work an average 42 hours a week, compared to a national
average of 39 hours, according to a survey of 5,000 IT
professionals by database software specialist, Embarcadero.
The survey showed that 43% of respondents work between 40 and 50
hours a week; 21% between 50 and 60 hours; and 6% work a massive
60- to 75-hour week.
Under Working Time Regulations introduced in 1998, staff should not
work more than 48 hours a week unless they choose to sign an
opt-out clause.
Mike Emmott, adviser on employee relations at the Chartered
Institute of Personnel and Development, said the directive has had
a negligible impact as there is no real pressure on individuals to
change.
"Fifty per cent of long-hour workers [people that work more than 48
hours a week] say it is their choice to work these hours," he said,
"It is not because they love their jobs but simply because the work
is there."
Of the respondents, 42% said they were under constant pressure to
deliver results or solve problems but 76% said they enjoyed their
jobs most of the time.
Separate research carried out by the institute shows that the
average profile of a long-hour worker is a middle-aged, married or
cohabiting male employee, working in middle management. They are
also likely to be earning good money and be a professional. Nearly
30% of them will be self-employed.
Emmott said people who regularly work more than 50 hours a week are
likely to suffer from headaches, depression and raised blood
pressure. Personal relationships have also been shown to suffer.