Workers making gains in juggling work and home life – Survey

Workers are getting better at balancing work and home life, according to a Robert Half Management Resources survey ^[1] published in June 2017 that revealed that the majority of professionals (52 percent) believe their work-life balance has improved from three years ago.

Employers and employees alike are emphasizing work-life balance, and managers contribute by giving their teams more freedom over where and when they work, if possible, and providing greater autonomy. These efforts go a long way to improve job satisfaction and retention rates.

Nine in 10 respondents (91 percent) reported their managers are very or somewhat supportive of their efforts to achieve this balance, and 74 percent said their bosses set a good or even excellent example.

Of particular note are youngest workers – those between the ages of 18 and 34 – who are more than twice as likely as those 55 or older to cite improved work-life balance (67 versus 31 percent), and who reported their managers as very supportive of their efforts to achieve work-life balance (62 percent). Nearly eight in ten (79 percent) 18 to 34-year-olds said their managers set an excellent or good example.

The survey highlighted five areas where managers can help their teams:

• Understand employees’ needs. Talk to your staff about their needs and what you can do to help. Needs vary, therefore remain flexible and open-minded.
• Set the example. If managers send emails at all times of the day and night or demand updated financial reports during weekends, staff are taking note and figuring they must do the same.
• Work with interim professionals. If the workload becomes too heavy, bring in interim professionals who can step in immediately to support the organization.
• Spread the word. Regularly and broadly communicate options available to workers.
• Stay ahead of the pack. Stay on top of emerging trends to ensure you provide in-demand benefits.

The survey includes responses from more than 1,000 U.S. workers 18 years of age or older and employed in office environments.