We all know that co-worker. They’re the first one in the office and the last to leave. They work through lunch, send emails at 10pm and never seem to clock off.
On the surface, they might seem like the most dedicated person in the company – but are they actually getting anything done?
That’s the essence of ‘clock-botching’, a term coined by Metro to describe the act of making up time, rather than making time count.
It’s similar to presenteeism – when workers show up regardless of ill-health or annual leave, just to say that they’re ‘there’.
Clock-botchers on the other hand actually have work to do, but they can’t manage their time successfully, whether that’s due to a spiralling workload, back to back meetings that should have been emails, or simply being really, really bad at getting sh*t done.
Why do people clock-botch?
Clock-botching is when workers end up doing more hours than they’re paid for – not out of ambition, but because they can’t get through their workload in time.
According to Dr George Sik, psychologist and workplace consultant at Eras, people clock-botch for a range of reasons.
‘Some simply find it easier to concentrate when the office is quiet and free from distractions, this is especially the case in the increasingly popular open-plan offices, where noise and interpretations are common during the day,’ he tells Metro.
‘Others may experience what’s known as a “flow state”, a period of deep focus, and wan to complete a task while they’re in that focus mindset.
‘Then there are more systemic factors. Packed schedules filled with meetings or frequent interruptions can leave little time for focused work during core hours, meaning key tasks spill into the evening.
‘In some cases, poor time management or procrastination during the day may also lead to a late finish.’
So how do you know if you’re a ‘clock-botcher’ – and what can you do about it.
If you think you’re constantly chasing the clock, it might be time to reflect on how your energy and workload are being managed.
‘Optimal working hours vary from person to person,’ Dr Sik explains. ‘A good place to start is understanding your chronotype – whether you’re alert in the morning or evening.
‘That way, you can make sure you’re working in tune with your brain’s natural cycles, as our cognitive performance fluctuates throughout the day.’
He recommends tracking your energy and focus levels for a week or two to identify when you’re most productive.
‘Trying to power through natural dips without taking breaks usually leads to diminishing returns in both output and quality,’ he adds.
‘A more sustainable approach is to work in short, focused bursts with intentional breaks in between.’ Rather than clocking up the hours!
And it’s important to remember to speak up if you’re struggling with your workload.
‘When your responsibilities are exceeding your capacity, the best approach is to open up a constructive dialogue with your manager, ideally framed around prioritisation,’ Dr Sik says.
‘Rather than saying, “I can’t do this”, try something like, “I’m currently working on X, Y and Z. With this new project added, what would you like me to prioritise, and what can be deprioritised?”This shows that you’re still committed to delivering quality work, but also gently highlights the limits of time and resources.
‘Managers often aren’t fully aware of how much time each task actually takes, especially if you’re someone who usually just gets on with it.’
If you’re still struggling, Dr Sik advises requesting a short meeting to talk through your current workload together.
Does staying at work late make you more productive?
Short answer? No. In fact, it could have the opposite effect.
Dr Sik explains: ‘While working late might occasionally help you meet a deadline, it’s rarely a sustainable route to high performance.
‘Research consistently shows that working smarter, by taking breaks and setting clear boundaries, leads to better output, more creativity, and decision-making.’
Regularly extending your working day can risk mental fatigue, reduced concentration and the increased errors that come with it.
‘The reality is that without adequate rest and recovery, performance begins to decline. Simply staying longer at your desk doesn’t guarantee better results; it can actually undermine them.’
If any of this sounds familiar, maybe it’s time to ask yourself: Are you staying late because you want to, or because it looks good?
You might think it’s showing dedication, but regularly clock-botching can be a fast track to burnout. The world won’t end if you’re not in the office; in fact, it might get a little easier for you.
‘Working late occasionally to meet a deadline is one thing, but if it becomes habitual, it can crowd out the very activities that keep us mentally fit and emotionally fulfilled,’ Dr Sik adds.
‘Making time to switch off and recharge often makes people better at their jobs, not worse.’
How staying at work late can affect your mental health
There are several ways working late can affect your mental health, Dr Sik suggests looking out for the following signs:
- Reduced time for rest – ‘Most adults need around eight hours of quality sleep per night to function optimally, yet late working hours often push back bedtime. Leading to chronic sleep deprivation. Lack of sleep can affect mood regulation, memory, decision-making, and even immune function – all of which are essential for both your well-being and performance at work.’
- Boundary erosion – ‘When work bleeds into evenings, it becomes harder to mentally switch off, which prevents proper recovery. Over time, this can create a state of chronic stress, where the body and brain remain in a low-grade ‘fight or flight’ mode. That can result in anxiety, irritability, and a constant sense of being overwhelmed.’
- Withdrawing from hobbies and social activities – Dr Sik says these are both vital buffers against burnout. ‘Social isolation and a lack of downtime not only harm mental health but also lead to a reduced sense of identity outside of work.’
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