Hard for men to get work-life balance right: Survey

More than half (55%) thought that having enough time to exercise regularly improved their productivity, and 63% believed that exercise helped increase their energy levels when at work.

But 29% admitted that they were still struggling to strike the right balance between their work and home lives, according to the poll of 4,000 men.

Nearly half of men (49%) thought that getting out of the office to exercise regularly helped to improve their motivation and concentration, while 70% felt that it boosted their self-esteem and gave them more confidence in meetings.

UK Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt said: “More and more men are making work-life balance a priority.

“It gives them time to spend with their friends and families, look after their health and pursue other interests.

“All this can also improve their performance at work, which is good news for their employers too. But this survey shows it’s still hard for men to get the balance right, especially if there’s an old-fashioned culture where they work.

“That’s why I’m glad that bosses are leading by example, and that flexible working opportunities are becoming more common.”

Morgan Rees, editor of Men’s Health magazine, said: “It’s natural that people sometimes have to work late, but we urge men – and women – not to let it become a habit.

“Getting out of the office and being active is one of the best ways to get the right balance between the ‘slog’ and the ‘social’.”