70% of British employees want their employers to offer flexible working times according to a new survey released today by leading research consultancy Alternative Futures and online survey specialists Ciao AG.
The National Employee Opinion Survey interviewed a representative cross-section of 1,000 UK employees. It found job satisfaction to be highest amongst employees in Wales and Scotland and lowest amongst employees in London.
The survey showed that 46% of British employees find their workplace stressful, and that across the country 25% of employees would choose to work part-time, if given the opportunity. In fact, 26% of employees felt their health was suffering because of their work. 31% stated they had ëthrown a sickieí in the past because they had felt unable to explain the true reason for an absence to their employers. 74% of employees would like to have the ability to take a dayís holiday at short notice, to prevent this kind of work-life dilemma from arising.
ìOur research shows that across British businesses, work-life balance is now second only to pay in terms of what matters most in a job. And for employees in the public sector, achieving work-life balance has assumed greater importance than pay,î commented Gordon Adams, Managing Director of Alternative Futures.
While a quarter of employees are able to work from home occasionally, the survey shows the number of homeworkers could double in future. Those who are able to work from home enjoy much higher job satisfaction than those who donít.
Gordon Adams continued, ìWith over a third of employees telling us that they expect to change jobs in the next two years, there could be a win-win here if British industry sharpens up to more flexible working practices.î
Survey results also indicate that less than one in five British employees would definitely recommend their employer to others. Just 39% considered their organization to be led and managed well from the top and only 40% thought internal communications within their organizations were good.
Concluded Gordon Adams, ìSuccessful managers know that winning the hearts and minds of staff is vital to success. The twin challenges to British Directors are to be seen to provide leadership and to find ways to keep their employees with them.î
British Employees Struggle to Balance Work and Life
According to Major New Survey Fielded by Ciao
