- Gen Z mastered balancing act while baby boomers remain weighed down by work, Hays research revealed
- Younger workers most satisfied with work-life balance, as 63% rated either good or very good
- Almost half of baby boomers (49%) rated work-life balance average to very poor
- Only 18% of employers believe work-life balance is important for attracting staff, despite the 30% of professionals who prioritise this when considering a new role
New entrants to the workplace look set to build a better work-life balance than generations before them, new research reveals. Almost two-thirds (63%) of Generation Z, those born after 1995, rate their work-life balance as being either good or very good which surpassed all other age groups surveyed in data from the Hays Salary & Recruiting Trends 2019 guide.
An optimistic perception of work-life balance is mirrored in overall job satisfaction among this age group, 78% of whom said they were currently happy in their roles. The fulfilment younger workers are experiencing from commitment to their current jobs reflects new expectations of flexible working schedules upon entering the workforce.
Baby boomers unsure about benefits of flexible work
Satisfaction of work-life balance was lower amongst older age groups, with baby boomers admitting they are the most dissatisfied with how much time they spend at work. Almost half (49%) of this age group believe their work-life balance is between average and very poor.
Whilst close to half (43%) of Generation Z would choose to change their working hours to include flexible working, baby boomers are unaware of the benefit this could have towards improving their work-life balance. Only 36% of this generation would change their working hours in a bid to improve their work-life balance.
Despite a high proportion of employers (87%) offering flexible working options, only 57% of employees are currently using options including part-time working, flexi-time and home or remote working. However, 84% of staff say flexible working options are important when considering a new role, suggesting employers aren’t doing enough to promote options available to their existing workforce.
Employers continue to underestimate importance of work-life balance and flexible working
The research revealed that employers still underestimate the appeal of offering a positive work-life balance and flexible working in competing for talent, as only 18% deem this to be important for attracting staff. Close to a third of professionals (30%) said an appealing work-life balance with flexible working options is the most important factor when considering a new role, so employers are urged to consider how they position such offerings when looking to hire.
Furthermore, the number of employees rating their work-life balance as very poor to average remains static from last year at 45%, indicating a clear potential for employers to appeal to those seeking a more positive balance.
The main request to improve work-life balance for over a third (39%) of professionals was a change in working hours. When already struggling with staff shortages, offering and promoting these options is a valuable aid to attraction and retention. Benefits that complement work-life balance, such as a generous holiday entitlement, are also attractive to employees.
Simon Winfield, Managing Director, Hays UK & Ireland, commented:
“There is no denying flexible working is now a core component of the modern working world. Flexible ways of working have been endorsed by the growing gig economy, where adaptability, agility and efficiency are at the heart of a new model of work. Embracing this presents a huge opportunity to boost careers.
In addition, happy employees who strike a good balance between their work commitments and lifestyle tend to be more productive and want to stay with organisations for longer. In turn, for employers it is incredibly important to communicate to staff the benefits of taking time to do something that they enjoy away from work.
Being clear about what makes you stand out as an employer, from salary and benefits to flexible working options, will help you appeal to candidates waiting for the perfect opportunity to move.”
For more information visit: www.hays.co.uk/salary-guide
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For further information please contact:
Helen Flannery
Senior PR Executive, Hays
T: +44 (0) 203 0400 282
M :+44 (0)77 557 970 401
E: [email protected]
About the report
Salary data in the Hays UK Salary & Recruiting Trends report is compiled using information gathered during 2018 from Hays offices across the UK. It is based on job listings, job offers and candidate registrations. The recruiting trends and benefit data is based on a survey conducted in June 2018. The survey was completed by almost 23,000 employees and employers from organisations of all sizes and sectors.
About Hays
Hays plc (the "Group") is a leading global professional recruiting group and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The Group is the expert at recruiting qualified, professional and skilled people worldwide, being the market leader in the UK and Asia Pacific and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe and Latin America. The Group operates across the private and public sectors, dealing in permanent positions, contract roles and temporary assignments. As at 30 June 2018 the Group employed 10,978 staff operating from 257 offices in 33 markets across 20 specialisms. For the year ended 30 June 2018:
– the Group reported net fees of £1.072 billion and operating profit (pre-exceptional items) of £243.4 million;
– the Group placed around 77,000 candidates into permanent jobs and around 244,000 people into temporary assignments;
– 19% of Group net fees were generated in Australia & New Zealand, 26% in Germany, 24% in United Kingdom & Ireland and 31% in Rest of World (RoW);
– the temporary placement business represented 58% of net fees and the permanent placement business represented 42% of net fees;
– Hays operates in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Chile, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, the UK and the USA