One in ten late for work as routines get the better of Brits

New research reveals that one in ten Brits are regularly late for work due to hectic morning routines that leave them with niggling doubts about leaving the iron on, the windows unlocked and the freezer door open.

Research, by home insurer Churchill, reveals that Brits carry out a series of routine checks around their homes before leaving for work. They include serious safety and security checks such as ensuring the windows are shut (79%) and checking that the oven or hob is turned off (60%).

But the research also shows that Brits are carrying out more bizarre checks as part of their daily routines. These include making sure the loo roll is hanging correctly (10%) or checking that towels are neat and tidy (14%).

However, problems arise when Brits don’t believe they have carried out their routines sufficiently. Despite going through their properties top to bottom before they leave for work, more than sixty percent of habitual checkers are so worried that they haven’t secured windows, switched off all the lights, irons and hair tongs, that they will go back and check a second time – which has made one in ten of them late for work (9%).

Over a quarter of Brits (28%) say that they are irritated by their own constant re-checking. Many have turned back on the school run (5%), done a u-turn on the way to the airport (3%) or had an argument with another member of the family or a friend (7%) because they are anxious about re-checking parts of their routine.

The top ten home checks overall are revealed:

Top ten home checks
1. The front and back doors are locked (89%)
2. The windows are locked / closed (79%)
3. The oven / hob is off (60%)
4. Bank statements / internet banking are accurate (56%)
5. Mobile phone for calls / that it is charging (54%)
6. The car is locked (53%)
7. The iron is off (46%)
8. The computer is turned off (45%)
9. The TV is off / not on standby (41%)
10. The fridge / freezer is shut properly (41%)

There are even some gender-biased checks slipping into routines with 12% of women having to check the bed is spider-free before climbing in. Other important parts of the routine for women are checking they have turned their curling tongs or hair straighteners off (39%) and that they have everything they need in their handbag (30%).

The research shows that eighty percent of Brits admit that everything is fine when they have gone back to re-check their routine. However, one in ten (11%) have had a bad experience such as fire or theft as a direct result of not re-checking.

Martin Scott, Head of Churchill Home Insurance, says:
“The research shows that some householders’ routines can become habit-forming over time – almost to the point of doing them on autopilot. Householders should take time to consciously carry out safety and security checks around their homes as although it is a cliché, it’s true that in certain situations it is better to be safe than sorry.”

Notes to editors:
Research commissioned by Churchill Home Insurance in July 2006 amongst 2,541 respondents.

 

For more information please contact:

Abi Clark
Churchill Insurance
020 8313 5830
pressoffice@churchill.com