Work Hard, Play Hard: Most Workers Satisfied with Work-Life Balance

NEW YORK, N.Y. – More than three-quarters (76 percent) of U.S. workers are very or somewhat satisfied with their work-life balance, according to Hudson’s Work-Life Balance survey. The staffing company’s report shows that even though 39 percent of respondents work more than 40 hours a week, professional demands rarely get in the way of family needs – just 14 percent of workers say they face a conflict once a week or more. What's more, 70 percent say they actually have fun while at work.

Despite the positive news, there is still room for improvement, according to the 26 percent of employees who do not think their employer encourages a healthy work-life balance. That's especially true of the 15 percent of workers who work more than 50 hours a week, who are more likely to report dissatisfaction. Generally speaking, workers making more money and working fewer hours are more likely to be satisfied with their own balance and their employers' efforts.

"It's surprising, but encouraging that so many workers are able to manage the demands of their job while still finding time for friends and family," says Alicia Barker, vice-president of human resources, Hudson North America. "Whether through flexible work schedules or accommodating time-off policies, employees are less likely to be resentful and burn out if their employer places a priority on balance."

A few notable differences emerged in the data. Corporate employees are less likely than their government and entrepreneurial counterparts to report overall satisfaction with their balance; 70 percent compared to 78 and 82 percent, respectively. Also, workers aged 40 to 49 reported the toughest challenges, with only 55 percent agreeing that their employer promotes balance.

Moreover, married workers were happier with their work-life balance than their unmarried counterparts. A full 82 percent of married workers are very or somewhat satisfied, compared to 66 percent of single workers. Married employees also had more fun at work than unmarried employees (74 percent compared to 64 percent).

The Hudson work-life balance survey is based on a national poll of 1,891 U.S. workers and was compiled by Rasmussen Reports, an independent research firm.

Hudson, one of the world's leading professional staffing, outsourcing and human capital solution providers, also publishes the Hudson Employment Index, a monthly measure of the U.S. workforce's confidence in the employment market.