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Background - 27.04.2022 - 00:00 

There is more to work than a big salary for professionals seeking new roles

Global survey finds that work-life balance and salary rank equally as top criteria when looking for a new job.
Source: HSG Newsroom

27. April 2022. Research conducted by CEMS, the Global Alliance in Management Education in which the University of St.Gallen is affiliated, polled 4,206 professionals globally. Results reveal that a good work-life balance is rated on par with salary as the top criteria when seeking a new role.

Work-life balance rated higher by professionals over 35

While across the board, work-life balance and salary were ranked equally, professionals over the age of 35 actually ranked the opportunity for work-life balance higher than salary. For recent graduates and younger professionals (under the age of 35), salary ranked slightly higher than work-life balance. This indicates that while there is more to work than just money for younger professionals, salary is understandably an important factor.

Within the global survey among 4,206 professionals from 75 countries, the categories quick career progression and chance to make an impact were also ranked highly, as the third and fourth key criteria which would influence the decisions of all professionals to apply for a job.

While opportunities for global travel appeared in the top five criteria for the youngest respondents (19-25), it was far lower down the list for other age groups, who rated inspirational leadership further up.

What professionals desire most from roles

Nicole de Fontaines, Executive Director of CEMS, said: “Our research reveals that for professionals globally, although salary will always be an important factor, work is not all about money. Achieving a good work-life balance and getting the chance to make an impact in a role is more important than ever, for employees of all ages.”

“As we transition back into the office at a time when attracting and retaining top talent is high on the agenda, it is important that organisations listen carefully to what professionals most desire from roles and act on this. This way, they can attract the most talented staff, benefit from the ambition of their people, encourage innovation and ultimately gain competitive advantage in an uncertain age.”

CEMS is a Global Alliance of leading business schools, multinational companies and non-profits that together offer the CEMS Master in International Management.

Image: Unsplash / Chris Spiegl

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