UK professionals are logging an average of 215.8 hours of unpaid overtime annually, with 42% receiving no compensation for their extra work. According to new research by HiBob, this equates to £4,022 worth of unpaid labour per employee, based on median earnings data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The study highlights that many employees believe sacrificing personal time is necessary for career progression. Over half (55%) think working beyond contracted hours is required to earn pay raises and promotions, and nearly six in 10 (58%) are personally willing to make those sacrifices. With 42% of workers staying in their current jobs due to economic uncertainty, they are increasingly looking to progress within their existing companies.
Expectations vs. reality
However, expectations and reality don’t always align. In their latest performance reviews, 50% of employees expected a raise, but only 40% actually received one. Similarly, 31% anticipated a promotion, yet only a quarter saw career advancement.
Despite this willingness to work extra hours, the majority of employees favour stronger protections against unpaid overtime. Nearly three-quarters (72%) strongly support the UK government’s proposed Right to Disconnect Law, giving workers the legal right to switch off outside working hours.
“Today’s research reveals a dangerous work culture exposing how employees think they can progress in the workplace. The overwhelming support for the proposed Right to Disconnect clearly indicates a nation that wants to put a stop to working hundreds of unpaid overtime hours each year but can’t see a non-legislated way out of overtime in the hope of progression,” said Ronni Zehavi, CEO and co-founder at HiBob.
The study also revealed that 67% of employees are willing to learn new skills, 65% are open to taking on more responsibilities, and 45% would supervise additional team members to advance their careers.
However, 20% of workers reported that their employer-provided no training or career development opportunities, and the same percentage felt there was no clear path for growth within their company.
Looking ahead, 38% of employees plan to search for a new job once the economy improves, signalling a potential wave of resignations if work conditions, pay, and career progression remain stagnant.