Research released by the Department of Labour on Thursday shows that many New Zealanders are working longer than a 40 hour week.
Of the more than 1.4 million New Zealanders who work full-time, nearly one-third said that they worked 50 hours or more a week.
"This research is another reminder of the significant number of New Zealanders who are working long hours and the negative impact that this can have on their personal work-life balance and the time they spend with their families and in the community," Craig Armitage says, Workplace Deputy Secretary.
The long working hours also impacts on health and safety in certain industries, and can lead to reduced workplace productivity.
"This provides a timely reminder of the importance of employers and employees working together to ensure that they have safe working conditions," adds Armitage.
The Department of Labour plans to use the information in the report to help identify and target particular groups of employers and employees for future departmental initiatives.
