According to survey findings from The Australia Institute, local full-time employees work an average of 6.2 hours on top of the standard 38 hours each week.
In Japan, there’s a word for “death by overwork”. The term Karōshi refers to death caused by having a stroke or heart attack… or suicide linked to overworking and excessive stress cause by a work environment.
According to a 2021 study by the World Health Organisation and International Labour Organisation, approximately 750,000 people who worked more than 55 hours per week died from karōshi syndrome globally.
Siobhan Marin for The Religion and Ethics Report says that in 2022, a case of karōshi made headlines, and led to employment reform. It was the suicide of a 26-year-old doctor who worked 207 hours of overtime in the month leading up to his death.
Right to disconnect
Since August 2024, Australian employees have ‘the right to disconnect’ outside of working hours. This means that they are not obliged to monitor, read or respond to contact from an employer or third party.
“This is the first attempt to address burnout and mental health issues associated with overwork,” said John Hopkins from Swinburne University’s school of business, law and entrepreneurship, and added that similar laws had been adopted in up to 25 countries.
Diana Yarkina, EA at Armitage Associates in Melbourne feels comfortable handling occasional work-related requests outside of working hours. “I believe it’s normal, given the nature of our roles and if there’s mutual respect between the EA and the manager. If it’s an urgent business matter, I don’t mind stepping in – it’s a win-win, as an appreciative manager values the effort. Of course, setting boundaries is important, but flexibility can be key if you’re committed to and enjoy your role.”
So, what can we do to stop overworking across cultures?
Work, sleep, repeat
According to Sugumar Mariappanadar, from the Australian Catholic University, overwork has become prevalent in Australia.
But we aren’t all getting the mental and physical recuperation required. “The effect of that [is] you go to work and you’re not actively engaged in work, because you’re already tired, your human energy is depleted,” Dr Mariappanadar says.
As a result, workers can experience high blood pressure, high cholesterol, poor mental health, and other conditions associated with chronic disease.
There are also disadvantages for employers, including low productivity, poor retention, absenteeism or unplanned leave, and “presenteeism”, when an employee is physically showing up for a job, but not functioning at full capacity.
Recipe for success
A sustainable work culture undoubtedly benefits employees, but Dr Mariappanadar says businesses also stand to gain.
If employees can finish on time and mentally switch off, they’re more likely to engage in positive health activities, rest and quality time with loved ones.
This, Dr Mariappanadar argues, will mean employees return to work with the energy to “maximise performance for business benefit”.
“If you put all these [factors] into the equation, you’re making more money if you are really taking care of employees.”
