Accenture Research Finds Most Professionals Believe They Can “Have It All”

New global research from Accenture, titled “Defining Success,” has found that more than two-thirds of female professionals around the world – and the same number of male respondents – say they can “have it all.” In fact, having both a successful career and a full life outside work is so important that many choose a job based on its potential impact on work-life balance.

Seventy percent of both women and men believe they can have a successful career as well as a full life outside work – however, 50 percent also said they cannot “have it all at the same time.” Further, more than half (52 percent) say they have turned down a job due to concerns about its impact on work-life balance. In fact, work-life balance tops respondents’ definitions of career success, ahead of money, recognition and autonomy (cited by 56 percent, 46 percent, 42 percent and 42 percent, respectively).

“Over the course of their careers, professionals will continue to define and re-define what success looks like,” said Adrian Lajtha, Accenture’s chief leadership officer. “For many, career goals and personal priorities will take precedence at different times. As today’s professionals strive to find the right balance, leading companies will find innovative ways to help them develop, grow and thrive.”

The research also found that technology plays a role in achieving work-life balance, although respondents express mixed feelings about its impact on their personal lives. More than three quarters (77 percent) agree technology enables them to be more flexible with their schedules, and 80 percent report that having flexibility in their work schedule is extremely or very important to work-life balance. Yet 70 percent say technology brings work into their personal lives.

“The fact that finding the right approach to integrating career and life demands continues to be critically important to employees is significant for employers,” said Nellie Borrero, managing director – global inclusion & diversity, Accenture. “Companies that can help their employees navigate both their professional and personal lives are likely to see strong employee engagement and enjoy an advantage as they recruit and retain high performers.”

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