60% of American millennials would take a 20% salary cut for better work-life balance

With more than ten years of work experience under their belt, millennials appear to have reached a tipping point and are prepared to ease back. An astonishing 55% of millennials globally are willing to trade a substantial 20% of their salary in exchange for achieving a better equilibrium between work and personal life.

Ford's latest study, which gleaned insights from interviews with over 16,000 employees across 16 nations for its 2024 trends report, reveals that American millennials are particularly notable in their pursuit of a less intense career path compared to their peers in the West.

More than three-quarters of all the participants surveyed by Ford indicated that they prioritize maintaining a balanced personal life over advancing in their careers.

In essence, while they may not accept a salary cut, they are content to finish work on time and refrain from exerting extra effort to impress their superiors.

The report observes, "People worldwide are experiencing anxiety, grappling with adapting to a changing world that feels beyond their control," with its findings underscoring that many respondents expressed concerns about their future due to climate change and artificial intelligence.

For 77% of the respondents, prioritizing self-care is empowering them to seize control and establish a sense of stability in an otherwise uncertain world.

Meanwhile, eight out of ten surveyed individuals acknowledge the importance of seeking inner peace amidst the prevailing challenges.

According to the researchers, this sentiment is motivating workers across the spectrum to reduce screen time, disengage from toxic relationships, set personal boundaries, and prioritize spending more time outdoors in 2024.