Graduates want a good work-life balance, survey shows

Nearly half of young people aged 18 to 24 have said that having a good work-life balance is their main career goal.

Research from recruitment website Reed showed that 40 per cent of young people want an employer that will provide them with a career and help them to build up their own family.

Plans

The study looked at how graduates feel about career planning and found that they are focusing on having a fulfilling career and family life, favouring time off and enjoying their job over earning a high salary.

This research comes after a recent report from the Resolution Foundation showed that millennials could be the first generation to earn £8,000 less in their 20s than young people have previously.

Data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency also showed that more graduates are entering job roles that do not require a degree.

Opportunity

However, the research from Reed showed that graduates are still feeling ambitious when it comes to their career, with 45 per cent wishing to work in a senior role.

Reed’s Head of Global Marketing Catherine Maskell commented on the findings, saying: “These findings show us young workers are thinking ahead and want to ‘have it all’ in the form of a happy family life and rewarding career.

“This gives an opportunity for employers to help them achieve just that and create packages which entice the UK’s next generation, securing the best talent along the way.”