túlmunka

Túlmunka, or overwork, refers to working more hours than are contracted, mandated by law, or sustainable in the long term. The term comes from the Hungarian túl- (over) and munka (work). Overwork occurs in many sectors and can result from high workload, tight deadlines, understaffing, employment precarity, and a work culture that equates long hours with productivity or commitment.

Health and well-being: Prolonged overwork is associated with fatigue, sleep disturbance, stress, anxiety, depression, and increased risk of cardiovascular problems. It can impair judgment and performance, raise the risk of errors and accidents, and worsen work-life balance. Social and economic effects include reduced time for family, leisure, and recovery, as well as potential impacts on career progression and job satisfaction.

Regulation and management: Many jurisdictions regulate working hours, overtime, rest breaks, and minimum days off. Overtime is typically compensated and may be voluntary or mandatory depending on the law and contract. Employers are generally required to assess workload, ensure adequate staffing, and promote rest and recovery. In practice, enforcement varies and some sectors experience persistent overwork due to demand or staffing shortages.

Mitigation: Strategies to reduce overwork include workload assessment and redistribution, hiring and training, flexible scheduling, geographic or role-based staffing, mandatory rest periods, and employee assistance programs focusing on mental health.

See also: Overtime, burnout, working hours regulation, work-life balance.