Employees are putting in longer hours than five years ago, according to a poll by Right Management, the workforce consulting division of ManpowerGroup Inc. (NYSE: MAN). Nearly four out of five surveyed workers said their organization's employees spend more time on the job since the recession began in 2008.

“Leaders need to have courageous conversations with their employees to ensure better alignment between the work their people are doing and the company's overall strategic objectives,” said Matt Norquist, general manager of Right Management's northeast region.

Employees responses to the question, “Do employees in your organization work longer hours than five years ago?” Responses include:

• Yes, a great deal: 67 percent
• Yes, somewhat; 10 percent
• Not really: 23 percent

The online poll of 325 employees was conducted between Aug. 16 and Sept. 15, 2013.