Work-life balance crucial for Kiwis

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A new survey reveals work-life balance is more important in New Zealand than in any other country, but many find it difficult to get the balance right.

Workspace provider, Regus, surveyed more than 44,000 workers examining the trends which drive flexible working hours and the ability to work from home.

The results found four out of five Kiwi workers said growing demand for work-life balance was crucial -- the highest of all surveyed countries -- well above the global average of 61 per cent.

Regus New Zealand area director Pierre Ferrandon said findings indicates Kiwi workers place a firm premium on work-life balance.

"It is an important part of the New Zealand work culture, but achieving that balance is becoming more difficult for many Kiwi workers."

Ferrandon said increasing house prices in major cities and longer and more expensive commutes challenge those wishing to keep a balance between work and home life.

"It's up to businesses to come up with creative solutions to these challenges," he said.

Forty four per cent of those surveyed outlined the need for organisations to be agile and capable to meet changing markets, as a key driver to achieve flexible working conditions.

Other drivers specified included attracting staff from a wider talent pool, complying with best practice employee flexibility standards and reducing leasehold property under-occupancy.

Ferrandon said the shift towards more flexible working conditions is being driven by both employers and employees.

"The business world no longer operates only from 9am to 5pm on weekdays. Businesses need to be agile so they are in position to respond to customer needs anywhere, any time."

He said while more workers are looking for flexibility in their jobs, if businesses are unable to offer this, then they may miss out on talented candidates or struggle to retain their current workers.