Work Your Proper Hours Day - Friday 23 February

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Issue date

21 Feb 2018

Work Your Proper Hours Day (23 Feb 2018) is the day when the average person who does unpaid overtime finishes the unpaid days they do every year, and starts earning for themselves. We think that's a day worth celebrating.

Nearly 5 million people at work in the UK regularly do unpaid overtime, giving their employers £31.2 billion of free work last year. If you're one, why not take some time to reflect on how well (or badly) you're balancing your life? This is one day in the year to make the most of your own time. Take a proper lunchbreak and leave work on time to enjoy your Friday evening - You deserve it!

Long hours are not good for us; they cause stress; they're bad for our health; they wreck relationships; they make caring for children or dependents more difficult; and tired, burnt-out staff are bad for business.

We’re not saying Britain should turn into a nation of clock watchers. Few people mind putting in extra effort from time to time when it is needed, but it is too easy for extra time to be taken for granted and expected day in day out. Catch up with a friend, go to the movies, take a stroll down the park or surprise your family by getting home early. Make the most of your own time!

What might unpaid overtime be costing you?

Use this calculator and find out how much your salary would be if you were paid your contracted rate for all the hours you actually put in. Give it a go and you might get a shock!

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