59% feel their employer supports their work-life balance

Carl Chapman

More than half (59%) of respondents believe their employer supports them in achieving a good work-life balance, according to research by Barnett Waddingham.

Its Why BWell report, which surveyed 300 employees, also found that 24% of respondents earning less than £20,000 believe that their job is detrimental to their health, compared to 48% of those who earn more than £75,000.

The research also found:

  • 49% of respondents believe wellbeing is important to their organisation, and 27% believe it is very important.
  • 45% of respondents aged between 18 and 29 feel their organisation supports them in leading a healthy lifestyle, compared to 41% of 30-49 year olds, and 37% of respondents aged 50 and over.
  • 52% of 18-29 year old respondents feel their organisation provides adequate support in the event of ill health, compared to 48% of those aged 50 and over.
  • 62% of respondents aged between 18 and 29 believe their employer is inclusive.
  • 23% of respondents are not aware of the financial protection provided by their employer if they are absent from work, and 24% are not aware of the financial protection available in the case of a long-term disability.
  • 38% of respondents aged between 18 and 29 do not feel they are paid fairly for their role.

Carl Chapman (pictured), head of workplace health at Barnett Waddingham, said: “We are at the beginning of a cultural shift in the way we work as a nation, with forward thinking employers leading the way with agile working, flexible working, on-site gyms and medical facilities, and even on-site childcare. These are all examples of how employers can help employees manage their lifestyles.

“It is key to understand the definition of a positive work-life balance between individuals and employers need to think outside of the one size fits all solution. It is important to engage with employees to find out what is important to them; [organisations] can then find benefit solutions that support this.”