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Just as employees have gotten comfortable with the idea of work life flexibility, worrying less about the impact it has on their paychecks or careers, new research shows increased workloads or no time are now the biggest obstacles. The finding is from the 2011 Work+Life Fit™ Reality Check, a telephone survey of a national probability sample of 637 full-time employed adults, sponsored by Work+Life Fit, Inc. and conducted by Opinion Research Corporation.
The current Work+Life Fit Reality Check, first conducted in 2006, has a margin of error of +/- 4 percent and also found:
- During the recession, about nine out of ten respondents said that their use of work life flexibility either increased (11%) or stayed the same (76%).
- While in the recovery, nine out of ten felt their level of use of work life flexibility would increase (10%) or stay the same (82%).
- Compared to this time last year, more than eight out of ten report they have the same (66%) or an increased amount (17%) of work life flexibility.
- Without work life flexibility, 66% believe the business suffers with employee health, morale and productivity as the most affected areas.
- Looking for a new job is the plan for more than one-third (35%); 33% of those cite a more flexible schedule and 25% the ability to telework as a reason. (Job search questions sponsored by CareerOwners.com.)
Yost will discuss the findings at a free webinar, Tuesday, June 14 at 1 p.m. ET.Register for the webinar here.
Obstacles evolve and put organizations at risk
Fewer respondents report obstacles to using or improving their work life flexibility, 61% in 2011 compared to 76% in 2006. The most cited (29%) obstacle in 2011 was "increased workload or no time for flexibility." But, despite going through one of the worst economic recessions ever, financial and perception worries have progressively become less problematic.- You might make less money: 21% in 2011 versus 45% in 2006
- You might lose your job: 16% in 2011 versus 28% in 2006
- Others will think you don't work hard: 11% in 2011 versus 39% in 2006
- You worry that your boss would say "no": 13% in 2011 versus 32% in 2006
Otherwise, 66% of those surveyed indicated the possible risks that result from a lack of work life flexibility.
- Health is affected -- you're stressed or lack time for exercise: 48%
- Morale is affected -- you don't feel good about working at your company or organization: 41%
- Productivity is affected -- you can't get your work done as fast as you like: 36%
- Focus and attention, or engagement, is affected -- you can't concentrate the way you would like to on your work: 34%
- Loyalty is affected -- you're not as committed to your employer and/or boss: 34%
- Creativity is affected -- you have a harder time problem solving or coming up with new ideas: 31%