50 hour plus working weeks becoming the norm

The ubiquitous mobile phone and a strong work ethic are turning Australia into one of the hardest working countries in the world, a recent news.com.au article claims.

It's suggested over two million Australians now work in excess of 50 hours a week, a figure that places us just behind Japan and Korea in terms of long work hours.    

The article claims these long hours are taking a toll on family life with one or both parents working overtime in 70 per cent of cases in order to meet employer deadlines.     

Another reason behind the trend is the emergence of 24/7 retail. Australian Bureau of Statistics reveal that in 60 per cent of families at least one parent works at some time after 7pm.