In celebration of the recent International Women’s Day, the consulting firm Accenture released its latest report providing valuable insights into what employees of the three main generations (Baby Boomers and Generations X and Y, equally sampled) value from their employers. Titled, "Defining Success," this global research study included data from surveys, conducted globally*, asking more than 4,000 professionals to define "success" for today’s employees. The implications are fascinating.
 
More than two-thirds of both women and men (70 percent) believe they can “have it all” – a successful career as well as a full life outside of work.
 
Work-life balance (56 percent) topped respondents’ definitions of career success, followed by money (46 percent), recognition (42 percent) and autonomy (42 percent). Other factors worth mentioning include advancement (31 percent), making a difference (29 percent), title (25 percent) and status (24 percent).
 
In fact, work-life balance rated so important that more than half (52 percent) said they have "turned down a job due to concerns about its impact on work-life balance." A full 80 percent reported that having flexibility in their work schedule was extremely or very important to work-life balance. Yet, 70 percent said "technology brings work into their personal lives." Employers simply cannot afford to ignore this critical area.
 
More than three-quarters (78 percent) agreed technology enabled them to be more flexible with their schedules
 
When asked what words describe a good work environment, "rewarding" was cited by the most respondents (59 percent), while "honest," "flexible" and "interesting" followed at 54 percent, 50 percent and 49 percent, respectively.
 
The top reasons given for leaving a job include responsibilities that don’t match a job description (38 percent), pay (38 percent) and uninteresting work (34 percent).
 
However, by far, the most interesting statistics for us were in the area of expectations of tenure. More than 20 percent (22) were "looking for another opportunity outside the company," while 11 percent were "dissatisfied, but not seeking new opportunities" and 5 percent were "looking to start their own company."
 
This study represents the first time that work-life balance has emerged as more important than career-pathing and training and development. This shift is note-worthy. Employers that ignore these statistics do so at their own peril. The skills war is heating up and companies that do not pay attention to these issues will find themselves unable to attract and retain the people they need.
 
* Surveys were administered across 33 countries, including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States.
 
Special thanks to Nellie Borrero at TalentManagement.com for raising our consciousness to this important issue.