1. The most obvious: Too much work

The vast majority of people who work overtime are doing so because the regular work hours are not enough to complete what they need to do. But this begs the question: why do they have too much work? Certainly, during some weeks, such as when there’s a major product launches or event, overtime hours are unavoidable.

2. Meeting overload

Nearly one in every two employees puts meetings as the top time waster in the office. Almost anyone who has worked in today’s corporate world can relate to too many meetings. Meeting after meeting after meeting, with not all discussions necessarily useful. These meetings suck up regular work hours like a turbo-vacuum, leaving only the evening and late-night hours to getting the job done.

3. In-office distractions

Over the last decade it’s become the norm to have open-plan offices sprinkled with casual meeting areas. There are bean-bags and ping-pong tables, café-inspired “reception” areas and shared desks without so much as a half-divider to separate workstations.

4. Email overload

 It’s an issue on both sides of the employment equation: bosses and managers email their reports at all hours, asking for information or updates, and employees stay glued to their work email accounts for fear of missing a query from their supervisor.

5. Striver syndrome

Sometimes, working overtime is a way to show off. The employee may be vying for a raise or a promotion and clocking in hours significantly higher than their co-workers.