Work Life Balance

Australian workers are struggling to strike a balance between work and life, a national survey has found.

The fourth Australian Work Life Index revealed that Australians are increasingly dissatisfied with their work-life balance.

The annual survey of 10,000 workers was conducted by the Centre for Work and Life at the University of South Australia.

Key findings of the 2010 index and its accompanying research include:

  • Sixty per cent of the female workforce and almost 50% of the male workforce consistently feel pressured for time. Women who work full-time and working mothers in particular show signs of increased work-related stress.
  • Managerial and professional workers are particularly working long hours and feeling the stress – a not surprising finding. Professional women especially standout here as being under work pressure.
  • There is not evidence that being self-employed provides a better work-life balance.
  • Most workers, including older workers, are not eager to work more hours. Indeed, older workers for instance are generally working longer hours than they would like.

Around six in ten survey respondents stockpiled their leave and one third of those did so due to work pressures. Their decision to not take a holiday resulted in worse work-life outcomes, particularly among working mothers.

Holidays, however, are still important for working Australians. The survey found that most workers would rather have an extra two weeks holiday than an equivalent pay rise.

Work Life balance is a key objective of proper financial planning.  Planning your future is not about achieving the best return, it is about creating enough cash flow to give you time to do the things you want to do, with those you want to do them with.

What are you planning for?

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 This article is general in nature only and does not constitute or convey specific or professional advice. Formal advice tailored to your specific circumstances should be sought before acting in any of the areas discussed.