British employees are putting in more unpaid overtime than their counterparts in major European countries, a survey has revealed. The latest report shows that the average UK worker clocks up an extra 40 hours each month without pay, outstripping other European nations with France at 24 hours, Spain at 27 hours, and Germany at 31 hours.
The study, which surveyed 13,000 workers across the UK, USA, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and Greece, found that overtime has risen for 37% of employees since the pandemic began. However, these figures pale in comparison to America, where the typical worker puts in 60 unpaid hours a month – the highest globally.
The research was commissioned by Malibu Rum, who on Monday, April 7, partnered with Baroness Karren Brady CBE to launch the first-ever “Clock Off Fountain”. Workers finishing their day were offered the opportunity to disconnect from constant emails and instant messages by safely tossing their phone into the fountain from 5:01pm while savouring a Malibu Pina Colada.
The Apprentice star and business executive commented: “In the UK, we can wear overwork like a badge of honour, but the real power move is knowing when to step away. Clocking off on time isn’t slacking – it’s recharging.
“The best leaders know that life is about more than just the boardroom; it’s about the people and passions that make the hard work worthwhile. This campaign is an important reminder to everyone, including myself, to do just this.”
The stuyd also revealed that 34% of employees frequently feel compelled to work beyond their contracted hours. The main reasons include excessive workload, looming deadlines, and a reluctance to leave tasks incomplete. Some even feel pressure to put in extra hours when they’re on holiday.
This mindset could explain why 23% feel that work dominates ‘most’ of their lives, and why 28% only manage to squeeze in time with friends when possible. For one in five of those surveyed, they feel overworked, with 16% having missed significant moments due to working overtime.
Craig van Niekerk, a spokesperson for Malibu, commented: “We understand that work is a meaningful part of life – it provides purpose, structure, and a way to contribute.
“But it’s overwork – not work – that’s wearing us down. In a world that rarely stops, we’re reminding everyone to slow down, prioritise joy, and make time for what truly matters.”
