For the first time, work-life balance has surpassed pay as the leading motivator for employees globally.
Work-life balance has soared in importance for workers around the world, becoming their top motivator and pushing pay into second place, according to an annual international survey of thousands of employees.
It is the first time that finding or keeping a job that fits in with the rest of their lives has outranked salary in the 22-year history of the international recruitment company Randstad’s annual review of the world of work, highlighting the corporate revolution caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Work-life balance was the highest-ranking factor for staff for their current or future jobs for 83 percent of the 26,000 workers surveyed across 35 countries, in line with job security (83 percent), and slightly ahead of pay (82 percent).
The Dutch recruitment company Randstad’s latest annual review of work confirms a trend that many have observed since the pandemic.
The research comes amid a flurry for four-day week trials, and a push by many bosses to get staff back in the office following a shift towards remote working during the pandemic. Randstad said that such a drive could be a misstep for firms, adding that 31 percent of its respondents had quit jobs due to a lack of flexible working.
The return-to-office (RTO) debate shows no sign of slowing down. Given the choice, talent were most likely (26 percent) to want to work in the office three days a week. However, according to their reported company policies, 31 percent of employers want talent in full time, with less than a third (29 percent) expecting three days or less.
“Work today is about more than just a pay cheque. Talent globally are looking for workplaces that align with their personal values, aspirations and circumstances,” said the Randstad CEO. “A new workplace baseline is emerging.”