Employers in Scotland have stepped up wellbeing support since April, however, work-life balance amongst Scotland’s professionals shows significant disparity amongst sectors, according to a new survey by recruiting experts Hays.
The survey of over 700 employers and employees in Scotland* revealed that nearly half (48%) rate their work-life balance between average and very poor, with little improvement since the onset of the Covid pandemic in March (45%).
Those in the charity sector rated their work-life balance most poorly (61% rated between average and poor), followed by those in engineering (58%). Education professionals were the most positive about their work-life balance (only 37% rated between average and poor).
More than two thirds (69%) expect their work-life balance to remain at its current level over the next three months.
The survey also revealed that fewer professionals in Generation X (born between 1961-1982) rate their overall wellbeing positively than other age groups surveyed. Only 37% in this demographic rate their wellbeing positively, compared to 40% of millennials (born between 1983 and 1995), 54% of Generation Z (born after 1995) and 57% of Baby Boomers (born between 1940 and 1960).
John Moore, managing director of Hays Scotland, commented: “Professionals have faced a huge degree of change which has taken its toll, particularly on millennials. Typically, this group are interested in exploring new career paths and progressing into more senior roles which may now feel out of reach due to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic.
“It’s certainly encouraging that employers have stepped up their wellbeing support, but our findings suggest that far more needs to be done. What’s key is ensuring that the support and perks on offer are tailored to the different demographics. What a professional over fifty needs to manage their wellbeing and work-life balance is likely to be different to someone in their thirties. One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to providing this support. We’ve got to address this now – employers have a responsibility to make sure wellbeing doesn’t plummet further over the winter months.”