A recent Forbes claimed that work-life balance is an out-of-date concept—yet, according to Eagle Hill Consulting, work-life balance is the second most compelling reason for changing jobs, right after workload. Another survey found that 67% of men and 57% of women change jobs with the goal of improving work-life balance.
Currently, the tight job market is adding to the difficulty of finding a work-life balance because so many businesses are understaffed. One survey, by Fingerprint for Success, found that 65% of employees working from home are now working longer hours—certainly not the expected outcome.
A good work-life balance benefits the company: less turnover, increased productivity, and lower healthcare costs. Those benefits reflect the improvements that employees report when a company has a good work-life balance: a commitment to their job, lower stress, less likelihood of burnout, and greater happiness.
Slowly, the notion is taking hold that work-life balance is something both employers and employees can negotiate. When you consider changing jobs to achieve a greater work-life balance, these tactics will help:
- Research companies specifically for their reputation for work-life balance. Glassdoor and other online sites rank companies for their work-life balance. Comments on LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social media also provide insight. Asking a current employee may also unearth good information.
- Ask relevant questions during the interview, such as the company’s definition of overtime, remote, and travel (which might be quite different from your own), and their policy for vacation, personal time, and sick time.
- Observe the culture. During the interview, pay attention to the atmosphere: does everyone seem rushed and irritated or do people seem to like and help each other? Will you be the only person at work with your gender, race, ethnicity, ability, or background?
- Make it clear on your resume if you are looking for remote work. You can state your preference for, say, 20% remote or full remote only. You should also highlight your experience with remote work, if that is what you are looking for. Pandemic experience certainly counts.
- Focus your resume on numbers or accomplishments that show your productivity and ability to meet or exceed goals. After all, increased productivity is the chief incentive for employers to improve work-life balance.
When you are ready to pursue a better work-life balance by changing your job or career, please contact Robin Resumes® for job and career transition coaching, a professional resume, and the benefits of more than 20 years of experience.