In the US, July 5 is National Workaholics Day. Falling over the 4th of July celebration weekend, it aims to ask the serious question of whether people are working too hard. With more people working long hours and failing to take breaks, it’s time to look at whether we should have a better work life balance.

In the news, broadband companies have pledged to improve services. And one of the stories may make you look at those on the other end of your video conference in a whole new way.

Top news stories

Micro-businesses are failing to fully monitor their finances

Only 38% of micro-business owners check the overall financial position of their business at least every week, while 59% admitted to only doing so once a month or less frequently. 

Broadband suppliers pledge to improve services to small businesses

Telecoms giants BT, Talk Talk and Virgin Media have agreed to draw up a new code of practice with watchdog Ofcom to offer commitments on speed and service.

Two thirds of small companies unprepared for supply chain failure

Only 11% of UK businesses currently have a close relationship with suppliers at all stages of their supply chain.

Small business confidence in 'robust' pick up

According to the FSB, there has been a strong improvement in small business confidence, suggesting the sector will grow this year.

More than one in 10 business professionals attend video conferences in their pyjamas

12% of people surveyed said they wear workwear on their top half but pyjamas on the bottom.

Key dates for your diary

1 July: Claims for arrears in holiday pay now limited to 2 years

Legislation that came into force on 8 January stipulates that, from 1 July, claims for unlawful deductions from wages for arrears of pay for holiday can now only go back 2 years. For more information, see the government’s legislation website.

My name is … and I’m a workaholic

Despite government and European legislation to address the number of hours that people work, in many businesses there is still a commitment to working long hours, frequently under the pressure of tight deadlines. Some industries seem to thrive on this but the impact on workers can be extreme. We look at what employers can do to encourage employees to take a more measured approach.

The figures: what we know about our working week

As a nation, we seem to spend an increasing amount of time at work:

• Research shows we work an average of 9 hours 33 minutes a day
• Despite the Working Time Directive, almost four million employees work at least 48 hours a week
• 16% of small business owners work more than 60 hours a week
• 25% of people don’t take a lunch break
• More than 50% of people go into the office when they’re ill

The impact of these extra hours take their toll. A report by the BMJ showed that people working long hours are more likely to consume more alcohol and at “risky” levels. And long hours is also linked to a higher risk of heart disease. So what can employers do to help keep this under control?

How to minimise the risk of over-working

Employers can help to minimise the culture of workaholism.

• Keep an eye on the number of hours your employees work: under Working Time Regulations you have a responsibility to ensure staff work 48 hours a week or fewer. Ask people to track the number of hours they work and if these are long, look at their workload to see if it can be shared or if you need to employ more people.
• Look at flexible working options: sometimes they will be busy times or a big project when people may be working longer hours. Look at introducing flexible working options like time off in lieu or flexitime, so people can take back these hours when it’s quieter.
• Try to minimise unnecessary meetings: research shows that the average employee spends a shocking 31 hours a month in unnecessary meetings. That’s more than 7 hours a week that could be spend more productively.
• See if people need extra training: some people are better at time management than others. If you have people who are constantly at work but struggling to hit deadlines, training may help.
• Recognise that over-work can be a psychological issue: if you have an employee who focuses on making everything perfect, has trouble delegating and wants to be busy all the time, they may need extra help. Have a chat about ways that you can support them and look for any training or mentoring options.
• Try to change the culture: in some offices, productivity is measured by hours at your desk. Employers can make it clear that it’s success, rather than number of hours, that counts.