New research shows how unmanaged daytime idle time inflates payroll costs, triggers false overtime claims, and pushes employees toward burnout.

TORONTO, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Excessive overtime reaching 50+ hours per week is frequently driven by daytime distractions and unstructured workflows rather than high workloads, according to new research released today by WorkTime. The study reveals that up to 48% of standard workday hours are spent idle or on non-productive tasks, creating a dual risk for employers: inflated payroll expenses through false overtime claims and an increased rate of employee burnout.