British women work the longest hours in Europe, with one in six Londoners putting in more than 48 hours a week. Life coach Carole Ann Rice says, “If you work in an office where the culture is one of very long hours, it is difficult to break free of those expectations.”

Why is it happening? Rice believes we revere being busy, associating it with success. “Busy now means you’re important, that you matter, that you’re productive.”

Women are particularly prone to CWLS. “Women worry about what other people think about them far more than men. We want to please by going that extra mile.” Psychologist Mamta Bhatia agrees. “Women like to gain approval and be recognised for their contribution. Physical presence has become shorthand for achievement.”

Mamta also points to our quest for perfection. “There is an innate desire in women to get things right. For many women it motivates them.” And when they come across a work colleague who is also striving to be perfect? “We want to be better than her.”

But it can be beaten. CWLS suffered Laura Bolton* took time out to travel and returned to work with a new perspective. “I had blamed my workload for my long hours but realised I’d been creating the situation myself. I saw other people leave at five and finally accepted that the roof won’t fall in if I do the same.”

Leaving on time has completely changed the way she feels about her work. “I’m happier, healthier and more productive now. I am well rested so go in with a clearer mind. I’m still driven but in a more healthy way. It’s the best thing I ever did.”

Names have been changed

Photo: Getty Images

Are you suffering from Competitive Work Late Syndrome?