British office workers are putting in more than 17 extra hours every month because of a culture of having to be seen working at their desk, a new study suggests.

Research indicated that people who stay in work longer than they should are not more productive because they simply “spread out” their workload.

Workers in the United Arab Emirates do the most additional hours (24), followed by those in the United States and Hong Kong (both 23), while employees in South Africa do the least (14), according to a study by Maxis Global Benefits Network.

Dr Leena Johns, of Maxis, an employee benefits network, said: “All organisations should look to create a nurturing and supportive environment that encourages productivity.

“It is important that managers distinguish between employees simply sitting at their desks and working harder. They need to measure real productivity and output.

“A strong workplace culture can help motivate employees and deliver improved financial performance, with a measurable increase in revenue. Unhealthy or stressed employees are a cost in terms of decreased productivity, rapid staff turnover, increased healthcare costs and absenteeism.”

Long working hours contribute to some of the greatest anxieties felt by employees, said the report, raising the problem of maintaining a decent work-life balance.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published in Bloomberg on February 19 2019 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-02-19/hong-kong-u-a-e-office-staff-work-most-extra-hours-every-month