Balancing work and life is a growing challenge for younger workers as they mature and take on more responsibilities, both in the office and at home. And the challenge is not limited to the U.S. workforce.

One-third of full-time workers say that balancing work and life has become more difficult over the last five years, according to a new study by Ernst & Young in New York City. Nearly 9,700 full-time workers in eight nations participated in the online survey.

“We were especially interested in millennials, who are facing a perfect storm of increased responsibilities by moving into management and becoming parents simultaneously," said Karyn Twaronite, EY global diversity & inclusiveness officer.

The top five concerns around work-life balance cited by respondents are increasing expenses and stagnant salaries; increased responsibilities at work; more responsibilities at home; working longer hours; and having children. Among the other significant findings:

German and Japanese workers are most likely to report work-life balance issues.
Increased duties at work (50 percent) and home (40 percent) are cited as a problem by millennials and Gen Xers.
Parents face greater difficulties than non-parents in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom and India.
Forty-six percent of managers globally report working more than 40 hours a week.
Forty-seven percent of millennials have seen their work hours increase, compared with 38 percent for Generation X and 28 percent for baby boomers.

The study also found that American workers are willing to make career changes to better manage work-life issues, with 54 percent saying they would be willing to pass up a promotion, move closer to their families or accept a pay cut in exchange for greater flexibility.

Instant Insights /

Younger workers struggling most with work-life balance

More From HR Executive

Related Stories

Recommended For You