Work-life balance tops salary as priority for global employees in new survey

A recent survey by Randstad reveals that work-life balance has become the top priority for employees worldwide, surpassing salary for the first time in 22 years. About 83% of 26,000 workers across 35 countries ranked work-life balance as crucial. The survey shows a significant shift in workplace expectations since the Covid pandemic. Flexibility in work hours and location has increased, with 65% of workers reporting flexible hours and 60% flexible locations, up from previous years. Younger workers, particularly Gen Z, prioritize work-life balance even more than older generations. However, as workers age, the importance of pay increases, with 87% of baby boomers still valuing it highly.