Workers predict death of 9 to 5 day

Office design news from Morgan Lovell

Published on 18-11-2011

Office workers are bracing themselves for longer hours and having to work through the night, research has shown.

As truly global markets emerge, workers anticipate the 9 to 5 working day will die out, and be replaced by flexible and longer hours.

Research by recruitment consultants Office Angels revealed that 48% of employees surveyed predict people will increasingly work through the night, thanks to an increase in working across global markets.

Some 65% believe that working hours will become more flexible, and 53% predict the standard working day will be resigned to the history books.

But workers are not all together thrilled by the idea. A third of workers - 35% - fear this ’always on’ working culture will lead to more stress. Longer hours and the 24/7 availability afforded by smart phones will, workers believe, result in more pressure and stricter deadlines.

Cloud computing, smart phones and video conferencing will also make working from home more common by 2036, 71% believe.

David Clubb, managing director of Office Angels, said: "We are advising forward thinking companies to recognise that flexible working is the future and that businesses need to define and implement their strategies now in order to retain and attract the very best talent."

Copyright Press Association 2011