Work Life Balance Statistics – Why It Matters
According to a recent survey on workplace stress, 76 percent said that stress at work has a negative impact on personal relationships. Additionally, 66 percent have lost sleep due to stress at work, while 16 percent say they have quit a job because of stress.
Stress reduces motivation, which stifles creativity and innovation. In the United States, 30 percent of workers report that they are highly engaged in their current job. A 2017 Gallup study shows that only 15 percent of workers worldwide, are highly engaged in and enthusiastic about their work and employers.
Working long hours gives the perception of productivity, studies show that a work life balance leads to happier, healthier, more productive employees and higher retention levels. Employees who feel they have a good work life balance have shown to work 21 percent harder than those who don’t.
A common misconception is that reducing an employee’s workload will also reduce stress. However, a survey by the Korn Ferry Institute reports that 79 percent of participants expressed that not having enough work is more stressful than having too much. With 74 percent saying they would rather take on a heavier workload and receive more compensation.
These research findings make it clear that finding a job that allows for work life balance matters to the majority of workers. Which is why it should matter to employers as well.
Best careers for work-life balance
While any company can incorporate a healthy work-life balance in the workplace, there are specific job roles that provide the healthy practice more than the rest. Listed below are the best careers that allow employees to enjoy their off-duty time, according to newsmagazine U.S. News’ report using data gathered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Orthodontists are dental specialists who address teeth and jaw irregularities such as teeth straightening and overbite issues. They have completed an additional residency required for their occupation.
Orthodontists relatively have low stress compared to other careers such as surgeons and lawyers. This is because emergency care does not happen much in their line of work, and almost all procedures are scheduled beforehand. This allows orthodontists to work regular hours and have time for personal activities.
Fitness instructors are responsible for teaching various exercise and fitness routines to improve the wellness and health of people. They also monitor clients’ progress and create personalized fitness programs to fit each client or a fitness group’s needs.
The demand for fitness instructors is expected to rise by 39% in the coming years. The demand could see businesses offering competitive employment packages for fitness instructors to attract highly skilled applicants. As of now, fitness instructors are usually allowed to freely choose their work schedule – allowing fitness instructors to map out time for themselves. Aside from that, fitness instructors hold a job that naturally leads to improved overall wellness – improving work-life balance.
Statisticians collect, analyze, and use data to solve specific questions or problems. They use different methods to collect the data, including surveys, questionnaires, and polls. Statisticians work in any field such as healthcare, government, and finance since any organization can use data to solve various problems and situations.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, statisticians will see a high demand in the coming years. It is expected to grow by 33%, much faster than the average for all occupations. Work-life balance for statisticians is good compared to other fields as their workload does not require them to work extra hours or on their days off.
Software developers typically design and develop software to meet the needs of a company or a user. They also recommend proper system upgrades for existing programs and record every part of the program for future reference and maintenance.
Companies understand the importance of software developers for the organization and try to make their time with the company worthwhile with proper compensation, benefits, culture, career opportunities, and work-life balance. According to Glassdoor, software developers at Google and Facebook ranked work-life balance high to match the demands and responsibilities their occupation requires from them.
Physician assistants, also known as PAs, examine, interpret, and diagnose a patient. In addition, they work closely with physicians and surgeons in treating patients’ injuries. Physician assistants work in every medical field, including emergency medicine, surgery, and family medicine.
Physician assistants have recently seen a demand for their service as doctors are scarce in the US. Aside from their existing access to flexible work arrangements and schedules, the spike in PA demands could cause more competitive employment packages for physician assistant applicants.
Nail technicians clean, shape, and style nails of clients. They address any beautification and care concerns involving hand and feet external issues such as ingrown nails and cracked heels. Nail technicians need to take a state-approved cosmetology or nail technician program to work professionally.
Many salons and other beautification establishments were forced to shut down during the COVID-19 lockdown. As lockdown restrictions are easing up, the demand for cosmetologists, including nail technicians, has increased. These professionals can take in an appointment outside their working schedule, but a majority of the time, scheduling of meetings will depend on the work shift of the nail technician, still giving them time off-duty.
Exterminators, or pest control workers, specialize in removing unwanted pests like ants, bedbugs, termites, and roaches in houses and buildings. They inspect the area for any infestation and use proper traps and pesticides to exterminate any pests.
Exterminators have a good work-life balance as they can set appointments to fit their work schedules. Once they finish their job for the day, they can relax until the next appointment.
Web developers create and maintain websites for individuals and corporations. They create, test, and update the layout and designs of the websites to attract views and interactions from the audience. Web developers can also create content for the sites they handle.
Source:
https://realwealth.com/learn/jobs-for-work-life-balance/
https://www.hcamag.com/us/specialization/corporate-wellness/10-best-careers-for-work-life-balance/325102