Nurses seek a better work-life balance
By Career Advice, , ,

Nurses are among the least happy in the UK when it comes to their work-life balance, according to research carried out by recruiter Randstad Care.

  • Only 49% of nurses are happy with their work-life balance, compared to 59% of British workers as a whole
  • Heavy workloads and varying shift patterns causing discontent with work-life balance
  • 50% more women than men are unhappy with their work-life balance, driving demand for more part-time flexible roles among women

A survey of 2,000 employees revealed that less than half of nurses (49%) are happy with their work-life balance. Those working in utilities (94%) and insurance (90%) were most happy with their work-life balance, despite those sectors having some of the longest average working weeks in the UK. Those least happy with their work-life balance were accountants (42%) – yet accountants have a shorter average working week than the UK average.

Randstad Care also compared the findings to the amount people in each sector were paid.  The results suggest the amount people earn does not affect how happy they are with their work-life balance.  For instance, those working in media and leisure are among the lowest paid in the UK, with average gross weekly earnings of £402.50 – yet these are some of the happiest sectors in the UK in terms of their work-life balance.  By contrast, those working in financial services and accountancy earn far more than the national average, but are the least happy. Nurses earn less than the average weekly wage, but their weekly working hours are also shorter than average.

Victoria Short, managing director of Randstad Care said, “Work-Life balance has become something of a national concern in the current economic climate as many people are under increasing pressure in both their professional and personal lives. But this research proves that the key to better balance is not simply to work shorter hours or to earn more cash. A more holistic approach is needed to find rewarding work that interests and engages us. It’s not simply about putting up with anything in exchange for more money or time.”