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Work-Life Outranks Salary on U.K. Workers’ Priority List

Feb. 22, 2010 — Work-life balance was ranked above salary as the most important consideration when looking for a new job, according to a new poll.

The Simply Hired poll found that the majority of respondents cite improving work/life balance as a top career resolution for 2010. When asked about career goals for 2010, the vast majority of respondents (81%) said they want to find a job they love, followed by 10% who want a raise or promotion and 4% who are just hoping to avoid being laid off. Respondents were divided on what is the most important consideration when looking for a new job. The complete breakdown includes:

• Work-life balance: 36%
• Competitive salary: 31%
• Training opportunities: 27%
• Ability to travel: 3%
• CSR initiatives: 1%.

“The past 18 months of [layoffs] and cutbacks have taken a toll on workers, many of whom have put in extra hours in hopes of saving their jobs,” said Sachin Shah, director of international for SimplyHired.co.uk. “This new data reveals that Britons are reassessing their priorities and looking to reclaim life outside of work as the economy slowly recovers in 2010.”

The poll also found that 66% of respondents made a 2010 New Years’ resolution that relates to their career. Top resolutions include:

• Improve my work-life balance: 40%
• Learn a new language or skill: 16%
• Expand my professional network: 14%
• Volunteer to lead a company project: 6%.

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