The working day has been turned on its head

Those finding themselves working late, again, are not alone – 74% of employees work up to three hours extra every day with an unfortunate 5% almost doubling their day by regularly working seven unpaid hours a day. Thanks to modern technology the traditional nine-to-five working day has been usurped by the five-to-nine day.

This shocking trend has been exposed by research into current working habits by Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts among more than 1,500 business people. Mobile phones, BlackBerrys and laptops mean that they have access to view and action their to-do list wherever they are. Nothing waits until the next day for most of them.

Switching off outside the office doesn’t seem to be an option for the vast majority – only 20% manage to avoid checking emails out of hours with nearly two thirds admitting to sleeping with their phone by the bed occasionally ‘just in case’. An unfortunate third make themselves available 24/7.

Business travel can add to these long hours, but seems to be an accepted part of modern working life and knowing when to switch off is vital. Importantly, 65 per cent manage to find sanctuary in their hotel room to get away from work and recharge their batteries.