The Safety In Numbers Report

Chapter Two: The New Working Hours

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We speak to some of you on a regular basis, and get that there are highs and lows of going it alone. Most of us have been there too.

We’ve looked at some of the things you’ve pointed out in our Safety in Numbers Report, and Chapter Two told us you’re working more hours than ever before, not taking holidays, and even waking up at unsociable hours worrying about work. To offer support, we’ve introduced a trial customer helpline running from 4am between Monday 29th January and Wednesday 31st January, to alleviate some of those concerns, and help you on the way to a better work life balance. Have a read…

The New Working Hour

Key findings from chapter two

The typical working day is constantly changing, and this is increasingly true for the self-employed community. We found that, on average, the self-employed work 14 hours a week more than when they were previously in a permanent position, and a lot of you are taking less than 14 days’ holiday a year.

  • Two fifths check their phone for work calls and emails before 8am, and one in five are still checking after 11pm
  • 46% have taken a work call or email in an unusual location, with public toilets and beaches coming top of the list
  • Half attributed their stresses at this time of year to January’s Self-Assessment deadline

The Safety In Numbers Report

Chapter One: Water Cooler Moments

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Back in December 2017, we conducted a survey looking at some of the challenges we hear most commonly from the self-employed community, and you told us that you miss the office chat, especially around Christmas time.

We compiled these findings into the first chapter of our Safety in Numbers Report, providing a solution and light relief in the form of a series of downloadable podcasts. Have a read, and a listen…

Crunch Chat podcasts provide those missing water cooler moments

Key findings from chapter one

95% of you think that there are clear advantages to being self-employed, but nearly half of you miss the ‘water cooler moments’ from a busy office environment - 78% of you believe there are definite benefits to these moments with colleagues.

  • 61% agree that the highs of self-employment outweigh the lows
  • 57% say that going into business for themselves was the best thing they’ve done
  • 41% admit that they miss office banter when working by themselves

What is The Safety in Numbers Report?

“Everything Crunch does is to support and empower freelancers, contractors and small businesses. We commissioned The Safety In Numbers Report to give them a voice - to gauge the perceptions, challenges and benefits at this time of year, so we can better understand our customers’ ‘workscape’, to celebrate the highs, and offer some support for the lows.”Darren Fell, Founder and CEO of Crunch

Key assets for chapter one

Crunch Chat podcastsWe’ve created a few soundbites to bring the office to you – simply download and tune in…

Episode One - Christmas Party Chat [10.1 mb]
Episode Two - The Ideas Meeting [14.6 mb]
Episode Three - Friday Drinks (Beer o’clock) [15 mb]

The Safety In Numbers Report

Read the Safety in Numbers Report [1.5 mb]

Press releases

Banter with colleagues just as important as a Christmas bonus [98 kb]
It'll be lonely (in Scotland) this Christmas [91 kb]

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