IT directors risk their own and their company's health by
working up to 100 hours a week, a survey from Employment Law
Advisory Services (ELAS) reveals.
More than a third of the senior managers interviewed said they
worked more than the 48-hour week limit set by the European Working
Time Directive. Their average working week clocked in at 58 hours,
while a very tired few admitted to 100 hours.
"The results of this survey are shocking," says Peter Mooney of
ELAS.
The effect on morale, increased stress and simple fatigue could be
costing the economy millions.
"Signing an opt-out to enable staff to work more than 48 hours a
week is one thing, but to work such long hours routinely has a
negative effect," said Mooney.
ELAS's own research a few weeks ago revealed a growing trend for
"long weekend syndrome", where large numbers of employees call in
sick either side of the weekend. Of the companies interviewed, 67%
said Monday was the most popular staff sick day, while 23% said
Friday was the most popular.