Work-Life balance improves

Workers across the UK declare that the balance between their work and personal life has improved since 2010, according to a new Work-Life Balance Index based on the views of 2500 UK professionals, published by workspace provider Regus. Despite the average worker putting in longer hours than ever before, the Index shows that 60% of people are enjoying their jobs more, and 58% feel that they have enough time to spend at home or on personal pursuits.

The majority of workers (69%) state that they achieve more at work than in 2010, which points to a connection between a good work-life balance and worker productivity. Over a third (36%) of respondents say that employers have made efforts to shorten staff commute times, acknowledging the strain a lengthy journey to and from work can have.

The Index registered a 20% rise in UK work-life balance between 2010 and 2012. To put this into perspective, the UK Index standing is 104, which remains significantly below the global average of 124.

The improvements in happiness and job satisfaction are clearly linked to the fact that worries about job security have decreased in many sectors since 2010, when the UK had recently experienced market free-fall and the global economic meltdown that ensued. Recent research from Regus confirmed that business confidence in the UK is finally on the rise.