Study Indicates That Only Half of HR Professionals Believe
Work/Life Balance Will Improve Over Next Five Years
MAYNARD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 7, 2007--Despite a growing
awareness of the importance of a healthy work/life balance, workers
and employers are often at odds when it comes to the issue, according
to survey results released today by Monster(R), the leading global
online careers and recruitment resource and flagship brand of Monster
Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNST). Among the findings of the 2007 Monster
Work/Life Balance Survey, 89 percent of employees polled believe
work/life balance programs, such as flextime and telecommuting, are
important when evaluating a new job, yet only about half of HR
professionals polled consider work/life balance to be an important
initiative for their companies.
The survey findings revealed that only 29 percent of workers view
their employer's work/life balance initiatives as good or excellent;
in fact, 58 percent say their employer encourages working too much.
Furthermore, the long-term outlook does not look promising - 61
percent of HR pros believe there will be more employer-provided
work/life balance initiatives in five years, and only 56 percent
believe that general work/life balance will improve in the future.
"Developing and promoting a work/life balance program can be a key
differentiator in today's challenging recruitment market where there
are ample opportunities for job seekers. Thus, employers should look
to improve their employment brand by creating and promoting a
flexible, balanced work atmosphere as an effective means of improving
recruitment and retention," said Jesse Harriott, vice president
of research, Monster. "Moreover, we found that a healthy work/life
balance is more valued by younger workers - Gen X and Gen Y - so,
employers looking to cultivate those talent pools would be
well-advised to promote related initiatives."
Employers Undervalue Significance of Work/Life Balance
Initiatives' Impact on Recruitment
More than three-fourths of workers believe that work/life balance
initiatives result in more loyal and efficient employees, and 82
percent say that in the offer stage, a potential employer's work/life
balance initiatives are important or very important to consider.
However, only half (49 percent) of HR professionals feel they acquire
more qualified candidates because of their work/life balance
initiatives.
Managers and Corporate Culture Largely Shape Employee Work/Life
Balance
Sixty percent of employees say they spend too much time working -
with about one-third (35 percent) blaming their boss' expectations and
one-fourth (26 percent) saying they overwork to fit in with corporate
culture.
In addition, 91 percent of workers have worked directly with
someone they would classify as a "workaholic." Of this group, 51
percent say that doing so spurred working longer hours; 28 percent
report giving up vacation days as a result. Image plays a part, as
well - 25 percent of workers admitted to boasting about work/life
imbalance to demonstrate commitment and hard work ethic.
Technology's Impact on Work/Life Balance
Interestingly, workers believe that advances in mobile technology
will actually damage their work/life balance, as evidenced by the
following findings:
- 64 percent predict that employees will spend more time working
due to the increased use of PDAs, while 72 percent say the
same will be true due to the increased use of laptop computers
- Of workers who currently have a PDA, 44 percent wish they
could relinquish using it outside of work
- Nearly one-third say their PDA limits the quality of
face-to-face interactions with colleagues and/or people
outside of work
Survey Methodology
The 2007 Monster Work/Life Balance Survey was conducted online in
August 2007. Respondents include 506 human resource professionals and
830 workers. This poll is not scientific and reflects the opinions of
only those Internet users who have chosen to participate.
About Monster Worldwide
Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNST), parent company of
Monster(R), the premier global online employment solution for more
than a decade, strives to bring people together to advance their
lives. With a local presence in key markets in North America, Europe,
and Asia, Monster works for everyone by connecting employers with
quality job seekers at all levels and by providing personalized career
advice to consumers globally. Through online media sites and services,
Monster delivers vast, highly targeted audiences to advertisers.
Monster Worldwide is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the NASDAQ 100.
To learn more about Monster's industry-leading products and services,
visit www.monster.com. More information about Monster Worldwide is
available at www.monsterworldwide.com.
Special Note: Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for historical information
contained herein, the statements made in this release constitute
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and
uncertainties, including statements regarding Monster Worldwide,
Inc.'s strategic direction, prospects and future results. Certain
factors, including factors outside of Monster Worldwide's control, may
cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the
forward- looking statements, including economic and other conditions
in the markets in which Monster Worldwide operates, risks associated
with acquisitions, competition, seasonality and the other risks
discussed in Monster Worldwide's Form 10-K and other filings made with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.
CONTACT: Monster
Steve Sylven, 978-461-8503
steve.sylven@monster.com
or
For Monster
Weber Shandwick
Lauren McDonald, 617-520-7116
lmcdonald@webershandwick.com
SOURCE: Monster Worldwide, Inc.
