Work-life balance has overtaken higher pay as the most important factor for UK workers when considering a new role, according to new research from Travel Counsellors.
The travel franchise firm surveyed more than 2,000 UK adult workers to find out what motivates their career aspirations.
Nearly half (43%) of respondents said they plan to leave their job in the next 12 months, and more than a quarter (27%) said they are already exploring what is out there.
When searching for a new role, a good work-life balance (43%) was number one on employees’ must-have list, followed by flexible working hours (35%). Better salary and benefits (31%) ranked third in the list of must-haves.
In addition, 17% said they want a better working culture, and 16% would like better personal development opportunities. One-fifth (20%) said that making career progression is their number one wish when searching for a new role.
Among those who intend to stay in their current role in the next 12 months, the main reason for this is that they enjoy their work culture and the people they work with (45%).
Matt Harding, director of franchise sales at Travel Counsellors, said: “The UK workforce is having a rethink about what matters most in a job. While salary continues to be important, people are increasingly prioritising roles that allow them to achieve a better work-life balance and provide greater flexibility in how they work. For many, having time for family and personal commitments, and being part of a working culture that is supportive and aligned to personal values, is just as valuable as financial rewards.”
