Call for work life balance to help preserve relationships and health ⁰

More than a third of UK workers (35 percent) say that their work schedule is detrimental to their relationship with their partner, nearly one in five (18 per cent) say their job has caused arguments, and eight per cent admit that work was a major factor in the breakdown of their relationship. This is according to research, commissioned by Coople that suggests the extent to which work is ruining relationships, causing arguments with partners and even taking a toll on sex lives. Nearly one in 10 (nine per cent) say the pressures faced at work has had a negative impact on their sex life and one in five (20 per cent) report their work has led to a decline in their health and wellbeing, citing stress and depression. Unsurprisingly, the survey also found that 54 per cent of people value a good work life balance in a job the most, above wages, career progression, doing something meaningful in their work or any employee benefits.

The survey carried out by OnePoll with 2,000 working people in the UK found that just over half (51 per cent) of British workers say work has negatively impacted their social life; almost a third (28 per cent) of British workers state they’ve had to work late in the office, an additional 18 per cent admit to responding to emails out of hours, and a further 10 per cent take phone calls out of hours.

Research from The Department for Business Innovation & Skills has indicated that work-life balance schemes in the workplace actually lead to reduced work/family conflict and pressure, resulting in improved job satisfaction, engagement and less absences, bolstering staff retention and improving service quality and customer satisfaction.

Jacques de la Bouillerie, MD of Coople, commented: “A large proportion of the population’s personal relationships are being negatively affected because of work and it’s time for a fundamental shift.

“Not only do these findings highlight the detrimental effects of employment without flexibility they also show that the  majority of employees want a change.  Employers need to recognise the power behind flexible working, not only for their workforce’s morale, but also for their bottom line”