In a world that’s been reshaped by the pandemic, the definition of a fulfilling job has evolved. According to the latest annual Randstad Workmonitor survey, work-life balance has now officially surpassed compensation as the primary motivator for employees worldwide. For the first time in the survey’s history, 83% of workers across 35 countries ranked work-life balance as their top priority, narrowly ahead of pay at 82%. But what does this shift really mean for the future of work?
A Seismic Shift in Priorities
This year’s survey, which covered insights from 26,000 workers, highlights a clear trend: talent today has multifaceted expectations. As Sander van ‘t Noordende, CEO of Randstad, notes, compensation is still important—but workers are increasingly valuing a life outside of work that allows for personal fulfillment, wellness, and time with loved ones.
This shift is especially noticeable among Gen Z, with 74% of this group ranking work-life balance as their top priority, far outweighing the 68% who prioritise pay. In fact, this is the first time that work-life balance has overtaken compensation in the 22-year history of the Randstad Workmonitor.
Beyond just the Gen Z demographic, the shift in priorities is visible across generations. While 85% of Baby Boomers (aged 61-70) value work-life balance, pay still slightly outweighs it at 87%. This illustrates that, while younger workers are leading the charge in prioritising balance, older generations are also placing increasing value on finding harmony between their personal and professional lives as they approach the end of their careers.
What Does ‘Work-Life Balance’ Really Mean?
The concept of work-life balance often carries the assumption that we need to use the “good things” in life to offset the “bad” aspects of work. But shouldn’t we be asking whether work itself can be fulfilling and exciting too? After all, balance should be about creating a harmony where work enhances life, rather than simply serving as something to “balance out” life’s challenges.
Interestingly, the Randstad survey delves deeper into another crucial aspect of work that impacts well-being: community and culture. The report reveals that men are more likely to sacrifice salary for community and friendship at work (37%) than women (34%). However, when it comes to leaving a job due to toxic workplace culture, women (46%) are more likely to walk away than men (42%).
A Tale of Two Perspectives: Men and Women at Work
What does this tell us about the working environments we’re creating? Men seem more optimistic about forming connections and friendships at work, placing a high value on community. In contrast, women appear more pessimistic about the toxicity and inequality they experience in the workplace. This suggests that women are more likely to perceive the work environment as hostile or unwelcoming and are more likely to leave as a result.
The report also indicates that 45% of respondents have actively campaigned for better working conditions, and 31% have quit jobs that didn’t offer enough flexibility. This highlights the importance employees place on finding workplaces that align with their personal needs, and the willingness to leave positions that don’t meet those expectations.
Flexibility: A Non-Negotiable Expectation
One of the most striking findings in the Randstad report is the growing demand for flexible working. More than 60% of workers now report that they have the ability to work from locations other than the office, and 65% can choose their working hours. In addition, 64% of workers said they have the freedom to decide the intensity of their work, a clear indication that flexibility has become a normal expectation for many employees.
Even in times of greater flexibility, workers are still craving a sense of community. 83% of employees said they want their workplace to offer a sense of belonging, with 55% reporting they would quit if they felt they didn’t fit into the company culture. This emphasises the need for organisations to create inclusive, supportive work environments where employees feel connected and valued.
Founder and Talent Acquisition Lead at The Small Consultancy, Caroline Hall, adds
“The findings from Randstad’s latest report really highlight the changing expectations of today’s workforce. As organizations, it’s no longer just about offering a competitive salary, but about truly understanding what talent values. The focus is on work-life balance, but also on community, culture, and flexibility. The shift towards a more holistic approach to employee well-being is essential if we want to retain and attract top talent.”
“At The Small Consultancy, we are proud to be aligned with these values, and we work hard to help organisations create environments where their people can thrive in all aspects of life.”
Companies Leading the Charge
Several UK-based companies are already leading the way in this new era of work-life balance, embracing flexible work arrangements and fostering inclusive cultures.
- Monzo, a fintech company, operates with a remote-first model and offers flexible hours to support the work-life balance of its employees. They’ve created a culture where well-being is a priority, encouraging employees to take time off when needed and to disconnect from work outside of business hours.
- Depop, the popular e-commerce platform, embraces hybrid work models and offers employees flexibility in where and when they work, ensuring that their teams can find balance while also fostering a sense of belonging.
- ThoughtWorks UK, a global IT consultancy, champions flexible working hours and a culture of trust, where employees are encouraged to maintain balance in their lives while contributing to meaningful work.
These companies are not just offering flexibility in terms of work location and hours—they’re actively cultivating inclusive, supportive cultures that value connection and personal well-being. This is the future of work: a place where work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword, but a core value embedded in organisational culture.
The Takeaway: It’s Time to Reimagine Work-Life Balance
As the Randstad survey shows, work-life balance is now the key motivator for employees. This trend is here to stay, and companies need to adapt. It’s no longer enough to just offer competitive pay. Employers must prioritise flexibility, support mental health, foster community, and create a culture where employees can thrive both personally and professionally.
At The Small Consultancy, we understand the importance of these values. We’re committed to building cultures where people can achieve that crucial balance, and where work is a source of fulfillment—not just a means to an end.
Why Work with The Small Consultancy?
If you’re looking to build a workplace where work-life balance is truly valued and employees are supported, we’re here to help. At The Small Consultancy, we focus on creating cultures that embrace flexibility, inclusivity, and personal well-being. Whether you’re in need of support with talent acquisition, people strategy, or fostering a positive company culture, our team has the expertise to guide you.
Let’s work together to shape the future of your workplace. Contact us today to see how we can help you create a culture where your people thrive.
