6 tips to help you leave work on time today - and everyday

According to a new study, more than a third of us stay late at work due to a culture of presenteeism (what? only a third, I hear you cry!)

Research by Totaljobs found that two out of five people linger in the office, due to a culture encouraged by bosses. While, one in three employers looked down on those who left their desks on time. Those most likely to work overtime were in IT, human resources, accountants and teachers, said the survey of 1,000 workers and 250 employers.

Staff in Birmingham, Nottingham, Newcastle, Leeds and London had the biggest "presenteeism problem", while young workers were most likely to feel pressure - with three out of five of those aged 18 to 34 worried they would be perceived as not working hard enough if they left on time.

But while we might think we're impressing our seniors by putting in extra hours at our desks, we might actually be doing more harm than good. Although a long day may feel productive, research suggests the opposite is true. We are only really productive for around four hours, as our days fill up with unimportant tasks and pointless conversations.

Plus, by working too long, we squeeze out other things that are good for us like socialising, eating well and exercising. What’s worse, consistently working for longer than we should stores up major physical and mental health problems.

Ultimately, presenteeism creates a vicious cycle of working ever longer to achieve less and less. And with the days getting longer and the sun finally making an appearance, there’s all the more reason to get out on time.  

Here are five ways you can achieve more while working shorter hours...

1. Find your focus

Think properly about your most important tasks. One reason many of us stay late is that we’ve spent the day unable to think straight in a noisy open-plan office. Try getting an hour’s focused time by using noise-cancelling headphones, booking out a meeting pod/room, or working at a local coffee shop – you’ll be amazed how much progress you can make.   

2. Impress with less

Burning the midnight oil might bring short-term kudos, but you’ll earn more respect in the long term for doing consistently excellent work. That can only happen if you ruthlessly prune your action list to the handful of projects that play to your strengths and add most value. As Steve Jobs said, “it’s only by saying no that you can concentrate on the things that are really important”.  

3. Finish when faffing

If the sun’s gone down and you find yourself still there, tidying your desk drawer? Then you’re done for the day. When you have retreated to unimportant, non-urgent tasks it’s a sure sign that your brain has shut down. You’ll be far better off taking a break and starting fresh in the morning.  

4. Have a positive reason for leaving

If all you’re going home to is Netflix, it’s hardly surprising you’re still hanging around at the office. But an evening you’re really looking forward to will have you itching to get away from your desk. Start small – pick one night a week to leave on time, and plan something great that night for the next month.

5. Take proper breaks

 If you truly can’t work a shorter day, make sure you take time out during it. An actual lunch break, a quick run or gym class, even just a walk round the block, will all boost your productivity and mean you’re not just sitting at your desk for hours on end.

6. And if all else fails?

Take the advice of Tesla and SpaceX entrepreneur Elon Musk who, this week, sent a memo to his staff advising them to 'walk out' of meetings if they go on too long, or aren't adding value. That's one way to boost your productivity...

Katie Driver is a business coach and workshop facilitator. Her Thinking Alliance business equips people and organisations to achieve the clear thinking needed to create better working lives.  www.thinkingalliance.co.uk