Rebecca recently joined us in 2024 as a Senior Content Writer and has experience researching and creating multimedia content. With a keen interest in current and emerging industry affairs, Rebecca responds through a critical lens and, by promoting thought and discussion, aims to increase awareness of UKGI’s work.
Work-life balance ranked more important than pay by employees globally, according to survey

According to a survey, part of an annual review of the world of work by international recruitment company, Randstad, work-life balance was ranked more important than pay by employees across the globe.
Work-life balance was the highest-ranking factor for 83% of the 26,000 workers surveyed across 35 countries for their current or future jobs, drawing level with job security, also 83%, and minimally ahead of pay at 82%.
It is the first time in the 22-years of the survey that work-life balance has been prioritised over other motivators, demonstrating that the altered perceptions of work and modes of working that emerged during the coronavirus pandemic have persisted.
The survey also suggests employees are expecting more from employers, with less room to negotiate; almost half (45%) of respondents reported they had campaigned for better conditions at work, and almost a third (31%) reported having left a job because it did not offer enough flexible working.
According to Sander van ‘t Noordende, Chief Executive of Randstad, “[w]ork today is about more than just a pay cheque. Talent globally are looking for workplaces that align with their personal values, aspirations and circumstances.”
“Compensation is still important but talent today have multifaceted expectations”, he adds.
It appears that the considerable changes undergone by the world of work during the pandemic will prevail. Five years on, many companies continue to offer flexible or fully hybrid roles and, as the survey reveals, talent is unwilling to compromise when it comes to securing a job that fits around their personal life and affords them flexibility.