A recent survey highlights significant trends in workplace productivity and employee well-being among UK business leaders.
- 72% of business leaders recognise the benefits of hybrid work models for enhancing work-life balance.
- Age-diverse leaders underscore the prioritisation of work-life balance across generations.
- Female leaders more actively promote work-life balance to boost productivity compared to male leaders.
- Underutilised strategies for productivity improvement include reducing turnover and accommodating diverse needs.
A recent nationwide survey conducted by Speakers Corner explored the perceptions of 500 UK business owners and directors with significant equity stakes in their companies. The findings shed light on prevailing attitudes towards hybrid working as a means to enhance work-life balance. Notably, 72% of respondents acknowledged the benefits of hybrid work models in this regard, with an intriguing consistency in views across different age demographics.
The survey respondents were diverse, ranging from Gen-Z leaders in their early 20s to Gen-X leaders in their 50s. Interestingly, there was a shared recognition of the importance of work-life balance and employee well-being, with 57% of those aged 45-54 and 59% of those aged 18-24 prioritising these factors. Those aged 25-34 were slightly less inclined, with 53% supporting the same focus, indicating a generational alignment towards flexible working as a standard expectation.
A significant gender disparity emerged from the survey regarding attitudes towards promoting work-life balance. Among female business leaders, 59% advocated for work-life balance initiatives as a means to enhance productivity, while only 51% of male leaders adopted a similar stance.
However, the survey highlighted potential areas for improvement in productivity strategies. Surprisingly, less than 30% of leaders surveyed considered critical approaches such as reducing employee turnover (28%), adapting to neurodivergent individuals’ needs (27%), streamlining decision-making (26%), and exploring outsourcing opportunities (26%). This suggests a gap in addressing employee needs effectively and optimising workplace productivity. Nick Gold, Managing Director at Speakers Corner, remarked on the survey findings and stressed the importance of addressing employee needs to retain valuable talent and create a welcoming environment for all.
The survey underscores a growing consensus among UK business leaders on the importance of hybrid working and work-life balance, albeit with room for improvement in productivity strategies.
