More than half of workers more committed to personal life

Work-life balance may become a reality, if workers have anything to say about it.

According to research from staffing firm Robert Half, 54 percent of professionals have increased their commitment to their personal life over the last year. Thirty-eight percent of those surveyed say they are more committed to their career, and 34 percent cite additional dedication to their job.

Professionals were asked, “Compared to one year ago, are you more or less committed to …“

Interestingly, a greater percentage of 18-to-34-year-old professionals cite increased commitment in each of the categories than professionals 35 and older.

“In a strong job market, professionals have more confidence in their career prospects, which gives them the breathing room to focus on interests outside of work,” says Paul McDonald, senior executive director at Robert Half. “Companies that offer perks to help with work-life balance, such as generous vacation policies or the ability to telecommute, have a recruiting edge.”

McDonald advocates maintaining a good balance between work and personal pursuits. “With the ability to check in anytime and anywhere, it can be tempting to stay engaged with work around the clock,” he says. “This hyper-connectedness isn’t necessarily healthy and can lead to burnout.”

Robert Half offers these four tips for balancing personal and professional obligations:

1. Keep your eye on the prize. A steady stream of email, instant messages, and other communication can make it hard to focus. Set aside time free of distractions to complete critical tasks.
2. Exercise restraint. Often, people stay connected out of habit versus need. Think carefully before responding to email on evenings and weekends: Can the situation wait? This is especially important if you’re the boss, since around-the-clock email signals to others that it’s expected.
3. Cut down on commute time. Explore whether occasional telecommuting or flexible schedules are a possibility in your firm. An increasing number of companies provide these options.
4. Make a plan, and stick to it. Plan your vacation time well in advance. Think about taking a trip where you won’t be accessible; completely disconnecting may help you recharge. If you must be available, establish only specific times for checking in.

The Robert Half survey includes responses from more than 1,000 U.S. workers employed in office environments.

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