Data Shows That 46% Of North Carolina Workers Are Working More Than Contractually Obligated
Are you working essentially unpaid overtime? It is so common these days that I’d be surprised if anyone answered this question with “no”. This relates to a conversation I was having just the other day. And my thoughts are I do think the tide is turning. And I also one hundred percent believe it should. An article was shared with me yesterday actually about a California bill that would ” give workers the right to ignore after-hours calls, emails and texts from their employers.”
The purpose of this bill, is essentially to guarantee what they refer to as a “right to disconnect”. Which everyone is entitled to in my opinion. You can read more about the bill here.
It is getting pushback from employers (obviously). But with working from home so prevalent as well as always being connected, boundaries have long been crossed between work time and personal time. I’m a huge advocate for disconnecting and having time to yourself. It’s incredibly important and can help avoid burnout and lead to overall more productive employees.
This leads me to a survey I was sent from our friends at VoiceNation. It’s titled “The Most Burnt Out States In America”. And if you don’t expect burnout to happen in a world where the lines between work and personal life are blurred then you’re just naive. For so many people those lines don’t exist. And I’m sorry but that is not ok.
But there is pressure from employers to do just that. Especially when other employees are. So this study from VoiceNation looked at the US states that are putting in the most overtime. VoiceNation surveyed Americans about overtime work and determined that 40% of workers are working longer than their contracted hours.
According to the survey results North Carolina ranked as the second most burnt-out state with 87% of workers reporting burnout. This can negatively impact performance at work. And lead to the loss of good employees. A lot of this burnout can be attributed to unpaid overtime.
The data in North Carolina relating to unpaid overtime found that workers are:
- Checking emails after work hours: 58%
- Staring than my contracted hours: 44%
- Working later than my contracted hours: 46%
North Carolina Employers Here Is What Your Employees Actually Want
Listen To Your Employees
This is such a big one. Everyone wants to feel heard, and when employers are making decisions with no regards to the people who have to execute those decisions? Well, it’s not going to be as successful as it could potentially be. You don’t have to take every suggestion. But letting people know they have a right to an opinion, and that they are heard- it can do wonders for morale. The last thing employees want is to feel like a worker bee whom no one in ownership or management respects. Who better to help figure out how to make things run smoother and more productive than those doing the actual work? And you can’t solve a problem that you don’t know exists.
Regular Reviews
Check-in with your employees. Performance reviews done correctly can have an immense benefit to both employers and employees. It can increase morale by giving you an easy platform to praise what an employee is contributing. And also identify areas that need improvement and how to best implement strategies to help the employee with that. Plus when employees see that they are valued it can go a long way in increasing productivity and long-term success. Frequent reviews can also allow employers to identify any issues within a team and take action to correct those issues.
Encourage Development
Most employees don’t want to feel stagnant in a role. If there is no room for growth and development tasks become mundane and in turn, good employees can and will look elsewhere. Training can benefit the employer as well. Think of it as an investment. You have to spend money to make money. It’s also another way to show your employees that you value them and care about them and their careers.
Ensure Work-Life Balance
This is such a big one. I know for me personally I will go go go, but I will also burn out fast. I need that time to recharge. And especially after covid workers are demanding a work-life balance. Like it or not in order to maintain a valuable workforce, employers are going to have to comply. Whether it’s a flexible work schedule, days off, or encouraging physical fitness or mental health. A good work-life balance ensures productive and motivated employees. What employer does not want their employees to be less stressed?
Change Your Office Space
I’ve worked hard to make my office an oasis. Mood lighting, a stand-up desk, a walking pad treadmill, and decor that is “me”. Many people will still be more in favor of working from home (not a topic I want to get into at this point) or at least a hybrid work situation. A welcoming environment can make employees feel at home positively impacting and company culture.
Fair And Living Wages
And in this economy the one thing your employees want? It’s money. It’s not pizza or a pullover with your logo on it. It’s to be paid a living wage. It’s yearly raises that outpace inflation. It’s the best way to show your employees their value. The people who pull the most weight in any given company are almost always the lowest compensated. Mangers have an important job no question. But when you neglect to fairly compensate the others? You cannot and will not be successful long term. So invest in your people. You want them to work hard for you? Pay your employees their worth.
To See You Working Hard As Well
If you aren’t willing to work hard, why would your employees? Be visible and don’t let any job be beneath you. Spend time working directly with your employees, or perhaps offer to help with something. Being willing to help speaks volumes. And noticing when that help may be needed. It makes your employees feel seen. If all you are doing is delegating, there is a good chance that will be noticed. And it’s hard to respect a manager who has no problem throwing work at people but refuses to do the work themselves.
