Work-Life Balance Expectations: What Management UI Students Seek in Future Employers

In today’s competitive job market, management students' expectations for work-life balance play a crucial role in shaping their career choices. This research aims to determine the work-life balance priorities of FEB UI Management students, focusing on what they seek in potential employers. In pursuit of finding the answer, the Research and Development division at MSS FEB UI surveyed FEB UI Management graduates and discovered interesting students' preferences regarding flexible work hours, remote work opportunities, and mental health support. 

"After studying so hard, students have big dreams about their future careers. But what exactly do they expect from their future employers?"

Work-life balance is often mentioned as one of the key factors. This research tests the hypothesis that FEB UI Management students place high value on work-life balance and seeks to determine the significance of this factor in their career choices. The findings aim to provide a deeper understanding of what students expect from future employers and how these expectations reflect broader shifts in career priorities among the younger workforce.

Work-life balance is essential in achieving the psychological, emotional, and cognitive stability of employees, which promotes organizational effectiveness. It includes flexible working hours, remote work options, and policies promoting mental health and personal time. Over the past decade, work-life balance has emerged as a vital topic in conversations about the future of work, particularly for younger generations who prioritize personal well-being along with career achievements.

This research targets Management UI students and their career preferences, specifically looking at two key aspects: The significance of work-life balance in the job selection process and whether they place a higher value on work-life balance compared to salary when choosing their first job. The research aims to understand how these preferences reflect the values held by the students and the extent to which work-life balance influences their early career decisions. The research also looks at whether there is a change from the traditional career path that prioritizes salary and a fixed work structure to a more flexible and well-being career path.

The findings are particularly relevant for employers, as they offer insights into the evolving expectations of top talent. Companies that understand these preferences can align their workplace policies with the values of emerging workers, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between employers and employees.

The survey's respondents were FEB UI Management students, divided into three batches of students, specifically the classes of 2022, 2023, and 2024. The distribution of the research questionnaires began in December 2024, of which 2.7% were from the class of 2022, 21.6% were from the class of 2023, and 75.7% were from the class of 2024.

Source : Dokpri

The results show that the majority of students consider work-life balance to be crucial in various aspects. Almost 89,18% of respondents emphasized the significance of work-life balance in selecting a job, as well as in recognizing its importance for companies. Similarly, 89,18% of students acknowledged the role of work-life balance in their happiness at work. In contrast, only 78,36 % of students view work-life balance policies as a principal factor when taking job offers, which indicates that other influencing factors exist. It also found that a significant portion (85,4%) of students believe that companies should offer work-life balance to attract young talent, and 87,02% agreed on the importance of companies assisting employees in maintaining work-life balance over time.

Source : Dokpri

This table presents the results from a survey conducted among FEB UI Management students regarding their preferences for salary and work-life balance when selecting their first job. The average score indicating the importance of salary is 4.405 (88.10%), and 64.80% of participants indicated they would be willing to accept a lower salary in exchange for a better work-life balance. When asked if they would prioritize work-life balance over a higher salary, 45.90% answered yes and 54.10% answered the opposite. Furthermore, 76.57% of students expressed that they value having time for personal growth or hobbies, even if it means earning a lower income.

The survey results indicated that work-life balance is an important priority for FEB UI Management students when considering future employment. Students consistently rated work-life balance as a main factor in their job selection, achieving an average score of 4.459 (or 89.18%) on related questions. Many students highlighted that a company's understanding and support of work-life balance are crucial for their long-term happiness in the workplace. This demonstrates that Management UI students place significant importance on maintaining a balance between their professional and personal lives.

Despite the significant emphasis on work-life balance, Management UI students tend to prioritize salary when selecting their first job. The data indicates that while 64.80% of students are open to accepting a lower salary for improved work-life balance, more than half of respondents (54.10%) still favor a higher salary over work-life balance in their initial job. This implies that although work-life balance is a key factor, salary continues to be an important consideration, especially in the early phases of a career when achieving financial stability.

In conclusion, while work-life balance is an important factor for FEB UI Management students when choosing future jobs, salary remains their main priority. The survey results show that while students recognize the importance of work-life balance and are open to earning a lower income to improve their well-being, financial stability remains a higher priority early in their careers. Nonetheless, there are indications of a steady shift in preference towards more flexible and well-being-focused career options. This suggests that students are starting to look for jobs that offer both financial benefits and personal well-being support, reflecting a growing trend toward a more balanced and fulfilling career path.

References

Jaharuddin, N. S., & Zainol, L. N. (2019). The impact of work-life balance on job engagement and turnover intention. The South East Asian Journal of Management, 13(1), Article 7. Available at : https://doi.org/10.21002/seam.v13i1.10912   

Eurofound (2012), Working time and work-life balance in a life course perspective. Eurofound, Dublin. Available at : https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/en/publications/2013/working-time-and-work-life-balance-life-course-perspective