24 July 2008

Research shows many New Zealanders working long hours

Research released by the Department of Labour today shows that many New Zealanders are working longer than a 40-hour week.

The research, commissioned jointly by the Department of Labour and the Families Commission, developed a profile of New Zealanders who work long hours using data from the 2006 Census.

“The research shows that a significant proportion of the total workforce work 50 hours or more per week,” Craig Armitage, Workplace Deputy Secretary said. Of the more than 1.4 million New Zealanders who work full-time, nearly one-third said that they worked 50 hours or more a week.

“This research is another reminder of the significant number of New Zealanders who are working long hours and the negative impact that this can have on their personal work-life balance and the time they spend with their families and in the community,” Mr Armitage said.

“Long working hours can also have a negative impact on health and safety in certain industries, and lead to reduced workplace productivity,” he said.

“This research provides a timely reminder of the importance of employers and employees working together to ensure that they have safe working conditions and access to flexible working arrangements that help them balance their work with other things that are important to them.”

The Department of Labour will use the information in the report to help identify and target particular groups of employers and employees for future departmental initiatives, with a view to improving productivity, standards of health and safety, and the work-life balance of New Zealanders.

For further information on the report, please visit the Department’s website at www.dol.govt.nz/worklife/research/work-life-balance.

ENDS

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