A national survey conducted by the Australia Institute found that only one in five Australians are working the hours they want to work.
Half of all survey respondents wanted to work fewer hours than they had worded in the previous week.
For those working overtime, four in five (81 per cent) wanted to work less. Part time workers expressed a desire for extra work, with 60 per cent wanting to work more hours.
The survey was conducted for the national Go Home On Time Day, which will be held on November 24. The intiative aims to raise awareness of the extent of overwork in Australia and the workplace, health and social implications.
The Australia Institute’s deputy director Josh Fear said there was a disconnection between the hours made available by the labour market and the actual hours people want tow work.
“Bringing the standard working week down to 30-50 hours would mean that many people would be working the hours that better reflect their preferences,” he said.
“By giving work-life balance greater priority we could create an additional 390,000 jobs for4 the unemployed and the underemployed.”
Comment below to have your say on this story.
If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@governmentnews.com.au.
Sign up to the Government News newsletter
