INDEED AND YOUGOV DECODE THE MEANING OF WORK IN BRITAIN
British workers are ready for a four day working week and mostly put their work-life balance above all else – even money. YouGov, in partnership with job seeking platform Indeed, has uncovered the recent trends in the UK’s ongoing climate of uncertainty.
The ‘Meaning of Work’ report sheds light on the British workforce to understand the attitudes that are slowly shaping the modern workplace. The survey, carried out among a representative sample of 2,000 UK workers, covers purpose, salary and the working week amid other factors.
Indeed’s report sends a strong message to companies willing to attract and retain the best employees, as they will need to adopt new creative and flexible approaches to the way their workforce is organised. Although recent tests have proven that a shorter working week would not befit all businesses, the report shows that most British workers are ready to tackle the option, as they are increasingly on the lookout for more flexible working hours.
According to Indeed, nearly three-quarters (74%) of the UK workforce believe they could maintain the same standards of productivity in a four day working week. This trend was especially stronger among Millennials (23-38 year olds), but support for fewer working hours was registered across all age groups.
At the same time, with the average desired salary listed at £51,000, most UK workers who prioritise work-life balance would be happy to give up around £6,000 less a year, if it can lead to improved overall satisfaction and happiness. And, although salary is the biggest motivator for most UK workers (57%), work-life balance is just behind (55%), surpassing other factors such as job security, colleagues and commute time.
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