Work-Life Balance Surpasses Salary as Top Employee Priority Worldwide

An annual survey by Randstad reveals a significant shift in employee priorities, with work-life balance now seen as the most important factor for workers across the globe, surpassing salary for the first time in 22 years. The survey, which included 26,000 respondents from 35 countries, found that 83% of participants ranked work-life balance as a critical consideration when seeking current or future employment.

The report highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed expectations within the workplace, with job security and work-life balance now equally prioritized. Almost half of those surveyed reported advocating for improved working conditions, and a significant number indicated they had left jobs lacking sufficient flexibility.

Sander van ‘t Noordende, Randstad's CEO, noted that today's workforce demands a alignment between their jobs and personal values, aspirations, and circumstances, stating that “work today is about more than just a pay cheque.”

Generational differences in priorities are also evident, with Gen Z workers placing a particularly high value on work-life balance, as three-quarters identified it as their main concern, while older generations indicated that while both factors are important, income becomes more crucial as retirement approaches.

The survey also highlights growing flexibility in work arrangements, with 65% of workers reporting flexible working hours and 60% indicating flexibility in location. Despite these changes, a strong sense of community in the workplace remains important, with over half of respondents expressing willingness to leave jobs where they feel disconnected.

The findings indicate that UK workers share similar values as their global counterparts, with heightened preferences for workplace flexibility.