7 in 10 employees say it’s possible to have successful career and full life: Survey

More than one-half have turned down a job due to work-life balance concerns

More than two-thirds of working professionals believe they can “have it all.” Having both a successful career and a full life outside work is so important that many choose a job based on its potential impact on work-life balance, found a survey by Accenture.

Seventy per cent of both women and men believe they can have a successful career as well as a full life outside work — however, 50 per cent also said they cannot “have it all at the same time.”

More than one-half (52 per cent) said they have turned down a job due to concerns about its impact on work-life balance. In fact, work-life balance tops respondents’ definitions of career success (56 per cent), ahead of money (46 per cent), recognition (42 per cent) and autonomy (42 per cent), found the survey of more than 4,000 professionals across the globe, including 100 from Canada.

“Over the course of their careers, professionals will continue to define and re-define what success looks like,” said Lisa Grill, Accenture’s women initiatives lead in Canada. “For many, career goals and personal priorities will take precedence at different times. As today’s professionals strive to find the right balance, leading companies will find innovative ways to help them develop, grow and thrive.”

The research also found that technology plays a role in achieving work-life balance, although respondents express mixed feelings about its impact on their personal lives. More than three-quarters (78 per cent) agree technology enables them to be more flexible with their schedules, and 80 per cent report that having flexibility in their work schedule is extremely or very important to work-life balance. Yet 70 per cent say technology brings work into their personal lives.

The fact that work-life balance continues to be critically important to employees holds tremendous significance for employers,” said Nellie Borrero, managing director of global inclusion and diversity at, Accenture. “Companies that can help their employees navigate both their professional and personal lives are likely to see strong employee engagement and enjoy an advantage as they recruit and retain high performers.”

Latest stories