A recent survey* of UK business owners and directors has uncovered significant trends in workplace productivity and employee well-being, with a strong focus on work-life balance and hybrid working models. The findings emphasise the growing importance of work-life balance and flexible working arrangements in today’s business environment, with 72%^[1] of business leaders surveyed recognising the benefits of hybrid work models. Furthermore, the statistics surprisingly show a consistency of opinion across different age groups of business owners and directors.

The nationwide survey*drew responses from 500 business owners and directors with at least 20% equity, for companies with at least 100 employees. Key findings include:

Hybrid Work Models Support Work-Life Balance

• 72%¹ of surveyed business leaders agree that a hybrid workstyle offers employees greater work-life balance.
• 38% strongly agree with this statement, while only 5% disagree^[2].

Age-Related Perspectives on Work-Life Balance

• 57% of business leaders surveyed aged 45-54 and 59% of those aged 18-24 prioritise work-life balance and employee well-being.
• Slightly fewer (53%) of those aged 25-34 share this focus.

Underutilised Strategies for Productivity Improvement

• Less than 30% of business leaders surveyed consider the following strategies to enhance workplace productivity:
  • Reducing employee turnover (28%)
  • Adapting to neurodivergent individuals’ needs (27%)
  • Streamlining decision-making processes (26%)
  • Exploring outsourcing opportunities (26%)

Gender Differences in Promoting Work-Life Balance

• 59% of female business leaders surveyed encourage work-life balance and employee well-being to boost productivity.
• In comparison, 51% of male business leaders surveyed adopt this approach.

Nick Gold, Managing Director, Speakers Corner, said; “Whether we like it or not, it’s evident that hybrid work models are here to stay. What’s particularly interesting is that our survey findings highlight the consistency of opinion across different age groups of business owners and directors. Whether you’re looking at Gen-Z leaders in their early 20s or Gen-X leaders in their 50s, there’s a shared understanding of the importance of work-life balance. Ultimately, this generational alignment suggests that flexible working arrangements are becoming a universal expectation in the modern workplace, transcending age barriers.”

The survey also revealed potential areas for improvement in addressing employee needs and optimising workplace productivity, such as reducing employee turnover and boosting inclusivity. These low percentages (all under 30%) suggest that many business leaders may be overlooking these strategies as ways to improve productivity and address employee needs.

“So why is this important? If leadership teams look at how they can address employee needs this will go some way towards retaining valuable employees longer, shaping a welcoming and productive environment for all employees, improving decision-making processes, and accommodating diverse working styles.

[1] ‘Somewhat agree’ and ‘Strongly agree’ answers combined.

[2] ‘Somewhat disagree’ and ‘Strongly disagree’ answers combined.

*commissioned by Speakers Corner