Are you happy with how much time you spend at work? On average, 59% of us feel we are now spending more and more time at work, according to a recent work/life balance report. And 38% are less than happy with the amount of time we get to spend at home with family.
Here are seven signs that you are spending too much time in the office.
Are you happy with how much time you spend at work? On average, 59% of us feel we are now spending more and more time at work, according to our recent work/life balance report. And 38% are less than happy with the amount of time we get to spend at home with family.
See how many of these telltale signs apply to you…
1. You dial for an outside line… when you’re at home
You pick up the phone to make a call, tap in the digits and spend a frustrated five minutes cursing your inability to get an outside line. And then you suddenly realise you’re at home and trying to call your mother.
2. You lose your weekend lie-in
It’s Saturday morning, it’s 6am and you’re wide awake! You’re so used to getting up early that, even though you’ve promised yourself a lie-in, your brain wakes you up at the exact moment your alarm usually goes off.
3. You’re putting on weight
Is the work outfit a bit more tight-fitting than before? It could be all that time spent behind your desk is having an adverse effect on your waist line. With the average worker spending over five hours per day at their desk, both the lack of exercise and the temptation to graze on unhealthy snacks can lead to weight gain in the office.
4. You’re best friends with the night shift
Are you best friends with the overnight team? If you’ve been working late so much recently you know more about how the security guard’s children are getting on than your own, it could be time to check your priorities. Go home already!
5. You’re becoming a funny shape
Aches and pains in your shoulders and back can be a sign that you’re spending too much time at your desk. Research suggests too much computer work can lead to musculoskeletal disorders which can cause poor posture. There are exercises you can do to counteract the effects – but you might look a bit funny doing them on the subway.
Though actually that might not matter, because…
6. You’re the only person in the train carriage on the commute home
For most of us the commute to work means long queues and standing room only. If you’re always able to get a seat, it’s probably because you’re travelling when everyone else has long gone home…
7. You’re stocking up on energy drinks
We all head to the coffee machine for a little boost to keep us going. But do you also find yourself stocking up on caffeine drinks and sugar-rich energy bars to get you through the day? If you find your energy level is only as good as your last cappuccino or high-energy drink, you might just be overdoing things. And there could be some potentially worrying side effects too.
