PROFESSIONALS WORK SECOND SHIFT IN CORPORATE AMERICA TODAY
MRINetwork Poll Highlights Gap in Work/Life Balance
Philadelphia -- The majority of executives and professionals recently polled by MRINetwork, one of the world’s largest search and recruitment organizations, rarely seem to stop working. They work during their commute, in the evening and on the weekend. And many of them hold their employers responsible for creating situations that lead to overworking.
Of the more than 500 people polled, an overwhelming 70 percent said their company does not do a good job of allowing them to balance their work life with their personal life.
“They often feel they have no choice but to work as much as it takes to meet management’s expectations,” said Michael Jalbert, president of MRINetwork. “More enlightened managers, however, are beginning to realize that the X and Y generations are much more committed to forging a balanced life than the retiring baby boomers. This will inevitably lead to a reevaluation of the performance requirements of individual positions within many companies, especially as the younger generation moves into higher management levels.”
The poll revealed that 65 percent of the participants worked frequently after work hours while 19 percent worked sometimes, 9 percent occasionally and a mere 5 percent never.
“A number of factors influence the rising number of people whose work day extends far beyond the traditional hours,” said Jalbert. “Obviously technology that makes staying connected almost anywhere in the world effortless is a significant contributor. And for many people that’s led to an almost compulsive need for 24/7 interaction.”
Many companies are also understaffed, Jalbert noted. “Most people simply have more work to do than they can accomplish in eight or even ten-hour days,” he said. “In some cases, working overtime has masked the need to hire more mid-to-upper-level employees. If the work is getting done satisfactorily, senior management may not be aware of gaps in their workforce.”
On the other hand, Jalbert says, we talk to candidates every day who simply love what they do. “The greater their interest and commitment to the work they do, the more they seem to work – even when it’s not required of them. To these people, the ability to stay connected to their work via a variety of technological devices is an asset rather than a liability.”
As more people telecommute, the line between “at work” and “off work” has blurred, observes Jalbert. “As much as employees value flexible work schedules, this arrangement can also encourage working more and playing less.”
About MRINetwork:
Management Recruiters International, Inc., branded as MRINetwork (www.mrinetwork.com), is a subsidiary of CDI (NYSE:CDI), a global provider of engineering & information technology outsourcing solutions and professional staffing (www.cdicorp.com). MRINetwork has nearly 1,100 offices in over 35 countries.
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