SINGAPORE, 29 JUNE 2009—Ever since the global economy went downhill, employees around the world have been forced to work extra hours. And recruitment expert Robert Walters has just confirmed the situation.
In an online web poll, professional candidates from 17 different countries were asked whether they were working harder as a result of the downturn. Of 2,600 respondents: more than half (55 per cent) said they were working more hours per week; 24 per cent said they were putting in at least 3 hours extra per week; and one fifth (21 per cent) said they were staying in the office between 8 and 10 hours more per week.
In Singapore, more than half the respondents (59 per cent) claimed to be working between 1 and 10 hours more a week. At least 23 per cent of Singapore respondents said they were clocking 8 to 10 hours of overtime per week. However, there were also a good number of people (41 per cent) who said they were still working the same number of hours.
Professionals in Hong Kong felt the greatest impact of the downturn and were working the longest hours. One third of respondents (33 per cent) said they were working an average of between 8 and 10 hours per week.
One reason these employees are putting in more hours is that workers who are left, after a series of job cuts, are required to take on more work.
The other is the fear of redundancy. “Many people feel that by putting in more hours, they will be less likely to lose their jobs should further cost cutting prove necessary,” said Andrea Ross, managing director of Robert Walters Singapore.
