The Workday Is Growing Longer - Robert Half International and Accountemps survey - Brief Article

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), March, 2001

"Nine to five" is becoming "eight 'til late" in the business world, suggests a survey developed by Accountemps, a temporary staffing service for accounting, finance, and bookkeeping professionals. Sixty-eight percent of executives polled said they are working more hours today than five years ago, and 27% are putting in significantly more hours.

"Despite the efficiencies made possible by technology, employees are still putting in long hours to meet today's demands for greater productivity and faster turnaround," points out Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps. "Electronic communication and e-commerce have increased the pace of business, creating an environment in which daily transactions are conducted at Internet speeds."

He suggests that, while occasional overtime is to be expected, too many late nights can compromise productivity. "Managers should closely monitor employee morale and provide solutions to offset heavy workloads, such as reprioritizing projects, hiring additional personnel, or bringing in temporary assistance."