Flexibility key to work-life balance

19 October 2012

Media release – for immediate release

Flexibility key to work-life balance

Work-life balance is important to employees and means having greater flexibility in their working arrangements rather than working less, according to an annual survey by the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA).

“Employers increasingly need to accommodate flexible working arrangements to attract and retain staff,” says NZICA General Manager – Marketing and Human Relations Jeana Abbott.

“Our members are saying work-life balance isn’t about working less. It’s about having more flexibility about when and how to work so it can fit with family and other out-of-work commitments.”

Ms Abbott was commenting on the results of an annual survey of New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA) members.

The 2011 survey found that work-life balance was very important to members with 62% naming it as one of the three most important considerations when changing jobs. However, only 6% of employers used work-life balance practices to attract or retain staff.

“There appeared to be a disconnect between employees and employers on the importance of work-life balance so in this year’s survey we wanted to get a better understanding of what it means to employees.”

The 2012 survey showed employees rate flexible working hours (70%), not letting work stress affect home life (59%) and being able to take time off when wanted (55%) as the key factors in achieving work-life balance.

The least important aspects were being able to take long holidays (17%), frequent holidays (19%), working close to home (22%) or only working “normal hours” (24%).

For more information on the survey and to use the ‘Run my numbers’ tool go to www.nzica.com/beyondthenumbers

ENDS

About NZICA

NZICA is the membership body of choice for over 32,000 accounting and business professionals, working around New Zealand and across the globe. We act in the public interest through regulating the profession, developing financial reporting standards and promoting quality, integrity and expertise. Our members hold one of three prestigious designations: Chartered Accountant (CA), Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) or Accounting Technician (AT).

About NZICA’s remuneration and employment survey

NZICA’s annual remuneration and employment is an invaluable guide and authoritative source of information on remuneration and employment in New Zealand’s accounting industry.

The 2012 survey was conducted independently by Colmar Brunton in June and July and received over 8,800 responses from NZICA members. The results have a maximum margin of error of ±1% at the 95% confidence interval.

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