Hard work proud

We’re doing the time, but we like it that way

We’re a nation of workers, with 39% of us putting in 40+ hours a week. This rises to an average of 43.83 hours for full-time workers, while part-timers average 21.85 hours. More women are working longer hours. In 1998, just 9% of full-time female workers spent 51+ hours at work. In 2008, that figure has risen to 15%. By and large, we like what we do, with 78% of workers reporting that they are very or somewhat satisfied with their jobs.

Most people agree that they would get bored if they didn’t have to work and 67% claim that their jobs give them a sense of identity. Australian workers think of themselves as reliable, professional, experienced and producing quality work. However, we’re not so confident in our technical skills, and when it comes to innovation only 56% of people rate themselves highly.