Half of UK workers say work is becoming more ‘intense’, with staff shortages and tech to blame, poll suggests
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Experts warn that while trouble recruiting is part of the issue, managers, work cultures and ‘industrial changes’ all impact the increase in pressure
by Dan Cave 26 July 2023
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More than half (55 per cent) of UK workers feel that work is getting more intense and demanding – with technology, a decline in collective bargaining and staff shortages all cited as reasons for this, a poll has found.
The polling, conducted by Thinks Insight and analysed by the TUC, found that 61 per cent of workers said they feel exhausted at the end of most working days.
The figures suggest the situation has gotten worse compared to a similar 2021 survey. The latest data highlights that:
More than a third (36 per cent) of workers are spending more time outside of contracted hours reading, sending and answering emails
40 per cent say they are now required to do more work in the same amount of time
Circa four in 10 (38 per cent) say they feel more stressed at work
For Gemma Dale, senior lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University, this is a “critical issue” for HR, as work intensification can result in reduced health and wellbeing outcomes for employees, including increased levels of stress, anxiety and presenteeism.
“High levels of job demand have also been associated with burnout and emotional exhaustion, as those who work at high intensity are more likely to find it difficult to relax and continue to worry about work after the day is done,” she said.
Helen Burgess, employment partner at Gateley Legal, added that under the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Equality Act employers have a duty to ensure that employees are protected and work practices don’t impact on those with specific needs.
“As well as the legal obligation on employers, it is also in their best interests to support employees struggling with busy workloads, as not doing so will likely lead to increased absenteeism, both short and long term, which will impact on the productivity of the organisation,” she added.
There is also a gender divide to work intensification, as TUC analysis shows women are more likely to say they feel exhausted at the end of most working days (67 per cent compared to 56 per cent of men).
The analysis found this is likely because women are overrepresented in sectors such as education and healthcare, which are predominantly suffering from staff shortages and long working hours, as well as more likely to be shouldering care responsibilities at home.
The TUC also claimed that work intensification is being driven by the increased use of surveillance technology and algorithmic management – which can set unrealistic productivity targets – inadequate enforcement of working time regulations, a decline in collective bargaining and staff shortages.
Indeed, the latest Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) JobsOutlook report found that inflation, interest rates and low growth are making employers cautious about hiring, with the medium-term forecast for hiring down for both permanent and temporary hires.
However, even if a firm is suffering staffing shortages, Dale explained that there are still some fixes that HR can roll out to decrease work intensification.
These include redesigning roles, training managers to model good work and check in with their teams, and assessing their organisations’ work culture, she suggested.
“ Often, work intensity stems from cultures that value overwork and ‘ideal workers’ – those who work at high levels of intensity (and indeed undertake work extensification, too) are those who are rewarded and promoted,” she added.
“HR professionals should then consider the potential for work intensity in their own organisations – and what might be taking place, ,out in the open or implied,– that is driving it.”
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Experts warn that while trouble recruiting is part of the issue, managers, work cultures and ‘industrial changes’ all impact the increase in pressure. by Dan Cave 26 July 2023. Share article on Twitter. Share article on Facebook. Share article on LinkedIn. More than half (55 per cent) of UK workers feel that work is getting more intense and demanding – with technology, a decline in collective bargaining and staff shortages all cited as reasons for this, a poll has found. The polling, conducted by Thinks Insight and analysed by the TUC, found that 61 per cent of workers said they feel exhausted at the end of most working days. The figures suggest the situation has gotten worse compared to a similar 2021 survey. The latest data highlights that: More than a third (36 per cent) of workers are spending more time outside of contracted hours reading, sending and answering emails. 40 per cent say they are now required to do more work in the same amount of time. Circa four in 10 (38 per cent) say they feel more stressed at work. For Gemma Dale, senior lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University, this is a “critical issue” for HR, as work intensification can result in reduced health and wellbeing outcomes for employees, including increased levels of stress, anxiety and presenteeism. “High levels of job demand have also been associated with burnout and emotional exhaustion, as those who work at high intensity are more likely to find it difficult to relax and continue to worry about work after the day is done,” she said. Helen Burgess, employment partner at Gateley Legal, added that under the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Equality Act employers have a duty to ensure that employees are protected and work practices don’t impact on those with specific needs. “As well as the legal obligation on employers, it is also in their best interests to support employees struggling with busy workloads, as not doing so will likely lead to increased absenteeism, both short and long term, which will impact on the productivity of the organisation,” she added. There is also a gender divide to work intensification, as TUC analysis shows women are more likely to say they feel exhausted at the end of most working days (67 per cent compared to 56 per cent of men). The analysis found this is likely because women are overrepresented in sectors such as education and healthcare, which are predominantly suffering from staff shortages and long working hours, as well as more likely to be shouldering care responsibilities at home. The TUC also claimed that work intensification is being driven by the increased use of surveillance technology and algorithmic management – which can set unrealistic productivity targets – inadequate enforcement of working time regulations, a decline in collective bargaining and staff shortages. Indeed, the latest Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) JobsOutlook report found that inflation, interest rates and low growth are making employers cautious about hiring, with the medium-term forecast for hiring down for both permanent and temporary hires. However, even if a firm is suffering staffing shortages, Dale explained that there are still some fixes that HR can roll out to decrease work intensification. These include redesigning roles, training managers to model good work and check in with their teams, and assessing their organisations’ work culture, she suggested. “ Often, work intensity stems from cultures that value overwork and ‘ideal workers’ – those who work at high levels of intensity (and indeed undertake work extensification, too) are those who are rewarded and promoted,” she added. “HR professionals should then consider the potential for work intensity in their own organisations – and what might be taking place, ,out in the open or implied,– that is driving it.” Related Articles. Half of HR and recruitment professionals taking on unpaid overtime, survey reveals. 30 June 2023 by Hywel Roberts. Experts warn employees are at risk of burnout without formal structures and employer support. Is the ‘right to switch off’ a workable proposal? 29 June 2023 by Izzie Beddard and Sara Wilson. Izzie Beddard and Sara Wilson consider the possible implications for employers if Labour’s ‘right to disconnect’ is introduced. The UK’s workforce is one of the most dissatisfied in Europe. 22 June 2023 by Advertising feature. A recent study found a staggering 90 per cent of UK employees lack enthusiasm for their jobs – urgent measures are needed if organisations are to reignite employee motivation. More on this Topic. One in four desk workers don’t feel trusted at work, research finds. Admin assistant who was told by boss ‘while you’re down there, love’ as she retrieved pen from the floor was victimised and sexually harassed, tribunal rules. Employers must ‘urgently break down social taboos’ around discussing finances at work, guide suggests. People Management TV: How to make someone redundant (if you really have to) Two thirds of British workers say workplace EDI is important when job hunting, survey finds.