Working Non-Standard Hours

25-05-2007

Up to one-third of UK employees work outside traditional working hours, research has found.

Staff working between 5pm and 9am typically refers to people who work in shifts, work flexible hours or simply work into the evening, and represents more than 16% of all hours spent at work.

Adding £180bn to the UK economy in 2006, "five-to-nine" employees represent an increasingly versatile and mobile section of Britain's working population, and as more people decide to change to flexible working, their contribution to the economy will inevitably grow. Estimates have suggested that by 2027, contributions to the UK economy will stand at around £450bn.

The shift from traditional working to non-standard hours has been a product of the challenge faced by British business to deliver services around the clock. As a result, it's no longer just factory workers and bar staff who work unusual hours.

There has been a fundamental change in working patterns, with ever-increasing numbers of workers embracing flexi-time, job shares and other innovative working arrangements.

Apart from significantly improving productivity and competitiveness for businesses, adopting new smarter working practices will also help employees achieve a better work-life balance, reduce the stress caused by work and long daily commutes, with associated health impacts, and have a positive effect upon family life.

This change over the entire working population, unlike so many before it, is a positive shift and will almost certainly produce a happier, healthier and more productive workforce.

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