In today's tight labor markets, you need to be aware of how the demand for overtime can lead to a negative and dangerous cycle. Excessive overtime causes employee burnout and increases safety incidents. It also damages productivity, health and morale - which increases sick days, tardiness, absenteeism and turnover. This, in turn, creates a greater need for overtime and the cycle repeats itself.
Mandatory overtime raises uncomfortable safety and health questions.
It's not unheard of for workers to be engaged in day after day of 18-hour workdays. Even when overtime isn't excessive, it's important for the health and safety of your employees to monitor overtime practices in your operation. You'll need to educate them about the risks of fatigue and the steps they can take to handle long work hours. First, you must develop and implement policies that prevent excessive overtime. Second, you can educate your employees to help them be better prepared for handling long hours.