A WORRYING number of people are unable to exercise, relax, spend time on their relationships and manage their lives because they are just working far too much.

A recent survey by American Express Insurance reveals that four out of five adults are just too busy in their jobs to spend time on their home and social lives.

It found that people are struggling to find time for essentials like exercise, domestic chores, keeping in touch with relatives and friends, cooking, going to the dentist, sorting out finances and having quality time with a partner and children.

Women were the most likely to suffer.

Chris Rolland, head of American Express Insurance Services, said: “We recognise that for many hard-working Britons there are simply not enough hours in the day.

“However, our research shows many Brits are letting their health, relationships and finances suffer as a result.”

In fact, if left to continue such lack of work/life balance can cause serious illness and worse and is such a concern that the Mental Health Foundation has put together the following tips to help people cope.

A spokesman advised: “Take personal responsibility for your work/life balance. This includes speaking up when work expectations and demands are too much.

“Employers need to be aware of where the pressures lie in order to address them.”

  • Try to “work smart, not long”. This involves tight prioritisation – allowing yourself a certain amount of time per task – and trying not to get caught up in less productive activities, such as unstructured meetings that tend to take up lots of time.
  • Take proper breaks at work, for example by taking at least half an hour for lunch and getting out of the workplace if you can.
  • Try to ensure that a line is drawn between work and leisure. If you do need to bring work home try to only work in a certain area of your home – one you can close the door on.
  • Aim to reduce stress through exercise, relaxation or hobbies. Recognise the importance of protective factors including exercise, leisure activities and friendships. Try not to allow these to be sacrificed by work demands.
  • Watch out for cumulative effects by keeping track of your working hours over a period of weeks or months rather than days. Take account of hours spent worrying or thinking about work when assessing your work/life balance. These are a good indicator of work-related stress. If possible, assess your work/life balance in collaboration with your colleagues and with the support and involvement of managerial staff.

Catherine Roan, managing director of Careershifters, the career change website, suggests it’s always worth negotiating with your boss to change your role or hours.

“Work out what might help you, look at your situation from your boss’s point of view to see what might suit them too and go to them with a solution rather than just the problem.

“Many employees are often surprised by the positive response.”