More than half of UK employees would be willing to sacrifice part of their salary in exchange for a better work-life balance, according to new research.
A study by serviced workspaces Click Offices found that 54% of British workers would accept a lower-paid job if it meant improved working conditions, with the average worker willing to forgo £1,900 per year for a healthier balance between their professional and personal lives.
The research also found that the UK ranks 16th globally for work-life balance, scoring 63 out of 100 in an international assessment that considered both average working hours and quality of life. The study, conducted in January 2025, used data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) alongside a Quality of Life Index by cost-of-living database Numbeo.
UK Falling Behind on Work-Life Satisfaction
While the UK ranked 13th for working hours alone, it placed significantly lower — 25th — for quality of life, indicating that many British workers feel their overall wellbeing is not adequately supported. Previous studies highlight similar concerns. In 2023, 31% of UK employees reported feeling dissatisfied with their work-life balance, with two-thirds admitting to eating lunch at their desks and a third stating that poor balance negatively affected their productivity.
Mental health in the workplace is also a growing concern. Over half (55%) of UK workers said they wanted their employers to prioritise mental health, underscoring the demand for policies that support well-being, such as flexible work arrangements and reasonable workloads.
Flexible Work Remains Key to Retention
As businesses across the UK continue adjusting their remote and hybrid work policies, employees are increasingly valuing flexibility over salary. Research by workforce management company Hubstaff found that 95% of employees with flexible schedules or remote work options believed these arrangements improved their work-life balance and mental health. Similarly, 89% of HR professionals reported higher employee retention after introducing flexible work policies.
Beyond remote working, other measures that improve employee wellbeing include reduced workloads, additional leisure time at work and structured breaks. Burnout remains a significant issue, with 16% of employees identifying it as a major reason they struggle with work-life balance. The OECD Better Life Index warns that excessive working hours can have long-term consequences on health, safety and stress levels.
Growing Momentum for the Four-Day Workweek
The demand for improved work-life balance is fuelling interest in alternative working structures, with the four-day workweek gaining traction in the UK. As of January 2025, over 200 companies have adopted a permanent four-day workweek for their employees with no reduction in pay. More than 5,000 workers across various industries, including marketing, technology and non-profits, are now benefiting from this approach, which aims to enhance productivity while reducing stress and burnout.
The UK’s mid-table ranking in global work-life balance show that, while working hours may be manageable compared to other countries, overall life satisfaction remains a concern. As businesses reconsider their workplace policies, the willingness of employees to take a pay cut for better balance suggests a shift in priorities — one that employers may need to address to retain and attract talent.