UK workers are hoping for a healthier work / life balance, according to research released today. The study, by e-gift card provider Prezzee, found that healthier work / life balance was the top change 26% of employees would make to their current role for 2025, followed by more flexibility (17%) and increased recognition (12%).
Workers are clearly hoping the change happens sooner than later though. When asked what gift they’d appreciate the most from their employer this Christmas, almost 20% wanted additional time off over the holiday period, just behind receiving a financial token or gift voucher (26%). A tenth (11%) hope to receive a Christmas hamper or food gift, while just 9% would appreciate a Christmas party.
Almost a third (30%) of workers looking for a healthier balance between their personal and professional lives would leave their current job if changes aren’t made next year. Similarly, 39% would leave if workplace culture didn’t improve, while 40% would look for alternative employment if they were asked to work in the office more frequently.
It appears more autonomy in the workplace is central to achieving a balance in the eyes of UK employees, as 17% are looking for more flexibility and 10% are hoping to spend less time in the office next year. Just 4% of workers are hoping to spend more time working in-office in 2025.
Attitudes towards this vary when considering different age groups, with work / life balance being most highly sought after by millennials aged between 25 – 34, flexibility being prioritised by 1 in 4 of 35-44 year olds, whereas over 55s are most likely to feel they’d change nothing about their current role.
James Malia, global chief growth officer and European president at Prezzee, says, “With the holiday season fast approaching, businesses should be considering what changes need to be made in the new year. Our research highlights that offering employees an environment where achieving a healthy work / life balance should be top of that list, whether that’s through providing increased flexibility or more time off over the holiday season to spend with loved ones.
“While leaders will worry that a strong contingent of the workforce would leave if they aren’t striking the balance between their personal and professional lives, they should take solace in the knowledge that this isn’t necessarily a difficult change to implement. Listening to what the team is actively calling out for will go a long way to show their wellbeing is front of mind. That, alongside showing employees you care with regular reward and recognition for going above and beyond, should be the focus for decision makers as we approach the new year.”
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