Work-Life Balance Surpasses Pay as Top Priority for Global Workforce

New survey reveals generational and regional shifts in workplace values, with flexibility and well-being driving employee expectations.

The 2025 Randstad survey of 26,000 workers across 35 countries found work-life balance is now more important than pay for employees globally.
Gen Z workers, who entered the workforce during the pandemic, prioritize work-life balance (76%) and mental health support (66%) over salary (63%).
Baby Boomers also value work-life balance highly (88%), but their emphasis on pay (87%) increases as they near retirement age.
Almost half of respondents (45%) have campaigned for better workplace conditions, and 31% have left jobs due to insufficient flexibility.
Regional differences persist, with Latin American workers ranking pay above work-life balance, while global trends show growing demand for flexible hours and locations.