The most recent Workmonitor report from Randstad found that most people (72 per cent) consider work to be an important element of their life, but 61 per cent wouldn’t accept a position that would interfere with their work/life balance.
The report found that people increasingly want jobs that fit around their lifestyle and for those who are choosing to leave their current employer, the data showed that better working conditions, including leaving a toxic workplace (34 per cent) or lacking development opportunities (30 per cent) continue to be the primary drivers of their decision-making.
Nearly half (48 per cent) said they would resign if their job prevented them from enjoying their life, with one-third having done so because a job didn’t fit into their personal life.
Employee engagement is also impacted as dissatisfaction with work has led to 31 per cent having “quiet quit,” a recent phenomenon in which workers perform only the bare minimum in their jobs.
The report also revealed that 45 per cent of workers wouldn’t accept a job if it didn’t offer accommodating hours, while 52 per cent are worried about the impact of economic uncertainty on their job security.
However, 57 per cent said their job fulfils their need for a sense of purpose.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact workers’ lives, the report found that they are turning to their employers for help.
The most desired form of help is a monthly cost-of-living stipend (41 per cent) followed by an increase in pay outside of the usual cadence of an annual review (39 per cent).
More than one-quarter (28 per cent) wanted help with paying the cost of energy, commuting, and other daily expenses. Nearly half said they are receiving help in some way from their company. Some are cutting spending through a hybrid and flexible schedule, allowing them to reduce childcare and commuting costs.
A growing number of workers said they are worried about losing their job (37 per cent) and more than half (52 per cent) are worried about the impact of economic uncertainty on their job security. Nearly one-quarter (23 per cent) wanted to increase their working hours at their current job to help with the rising cost of living.
Additionally, the report showed that there was a significant decline in the number of people who believed they could retire before 65 — from 61 per cent last year to just 51 per cent in the latest survey.
