More HR professionals are working longer hours than ever, according to the latest reward survey of over 6,000 HR professionals from Croner Reward in association with the CIPD. The survey reveals that 79% of HR professionals have contracted hours of between 35-37 hours but only 29% actually work these hours, compared to 45% surveyed in 2005. Fifty-six per cent of respondents are now working 40-45 hours, a 20% increase over the past two years.

Charles Cotton, CIPD Adviser, comments: “The long-hours culture could reflect the fact that HR departments are under increasing pressure to demonstrate how they add value to the business. Recent CIPD research shows that 80% of organisations have restructured their HR function in the past five years in a quest to become more strategic.”

The report, Personnel Rewards reveals:

• Over 60% of HR professionals working in the private sector tend to work more hours, between 40 and 50 hours a week, compared to 51% in 2005.
• Over 50% of HR professionals working in the voluntary sector tend to work more hours, between 40 and 50 hours a week, compared to 27% in 2005.
• 46% of HR professionals working in the public sector tend to work more hours, between 40 and 50 hours a week, compared to 37% in 2005. 

Despite the number of HR professionals working longer hours increasing, 64% of them rate their job satisfaction as good or excellent. Those working in the public sector experience the lowest job satisfaction (55%), compared to 73% in the not for profit sector.

Cotton continues: “Fewer HR professionals in the public sector work long hours than those in the private or not for profit sector, yet public sector workers have the lowest levels of job satisfaction. It’s clear to see that long hours culture isn’t the only factor that affects the well-being of employees. Our survey shows that one of the main reasons HR professionals working in the public sector experience low levels of job satisfaction is due to bad management but low levels in other sectors is largely due to lack of recognition and job security.”

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