Workers want more time with loved ones

Eight out of ten employees would love to spend more time with friends and family in 2004, if only they could balance their work and lives more effectively, according to a new survey by the Department of Trade and Industry's Work-Life Balance campaign.

According to the survey, seven in 10 adults said that they would like to pursue their interest in the arts, whilst over half (56%) would like to play more sport.

Despite a keen interest in pursuing more interests over the coming year, three in 10 (28%) people feel that they are still spending too much time at work, at the expense of other commitments. However, many workers appear to have already made lifestyle changes, as nearly four in 10 (38%) have changed their working hours to fit in with their commitments and interests outside work.

Patricia Hewitt, Trade and Industry Secretary, said: "On top of all the traditional New Year's resolutions, it's good to see that many employees have resolved to get a much better balance between work and other aspects of their lives.

"In recent years, employers have made great strides in improving their work-life balance practices, particularly for parents. However, there are clearly still many people who don't feel that they have achieved an effective balance."

Other findings show that: nine in 10 workers (87%) think that having interests and commitments outside the workplace helps to achieve a more fulfilling work-life balance. and nearly four in 10 adults (38%) between the ages of 35 and 55 feel they spend too much time at work, at the expense of other commitments.

The DTI survey sought the view of 2011 adults selected at random and interviewed around the UK, of which 1229 were full or part-time workers.

(gmcg)