Lack of headcount means longer hours for white-collar workers

Employees are working longer hours to meet the pace of business growth, according to the latest Michael Page Employment Index.

For 35% of companies surveyed, the number of hours worked per week has increased in 2010. This increase in workload points to the lag between escalating levels of business activity and the hiring of additional staff to meet this requirement.

Most full time professionals (41%) are working an average of 40 to 45 hours per week. A further 36% of companies have an average working week of 37.5 to 40 hours.

To help manage growing workloads, some 40% of companies surveyed are increasing their headcount in September, mostly on a permanent basis (78%).

Over half of the companies recruiting new staff in September are focusing on front line positions in areas such as sales and customer service, which is an increase of 20% since July. Some 17% of companies are focusing new headcount on operational functions, whilst 14% are increasing their back office capabilities.

The demand for mid level professionals continues to grow, with the majority (54%) of companies planning to hire staff at this level. Some 23%of companies are hiring at the junior level, with a further 14% focusing on recruiting senior professionals.

 

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