Study Finds Always-On Work Culture Rarely Leads to Career Advancement
New survey data reveals that while a majority of employees feel pressured to remain available after hours, only a small fraction report receiving promotions or raises as a result.
A survey conducted by Software Finder and highlighted by Inc. Magazine indicates that the expectation to remain responsive outside of business hours yields little career return for most employees. The data shows that only 8 percent of workers attribute a promotion to their after-hours availability, while just 12 percent credit it with earning a raise or bonus.
Despite the lack of tangible career gains, 71 percent of respondents report feeling pressured to check work communications while off the clock. This pressure is notably higher among management, with 81 percent acknowledging the expectation to stay connected. The trend is also more prevalent among hybrid workers compared to those based fully in an office.
The researchers estimate that the average employee spends roughly 1.7 hours per week handling work-related tasks during personal time. Over the course of a year, this amounts to more than two full workweeks of unpaid availability, often at the expense of employee well-being and work-life balance.