Work-life balance comes second in importance only to pay for British staff, with 70% wanting their employers to offer flexible working times.

The National Employee Opinion Survey found that 46% of British employees find their workplace stressful, while a quarter of the 1,000 respondents believe that work is affecting their health.

Nearly a third – 31% – stated they had ‘thrown a sickie’ in the past because they had felt unable to explain the true reason for an absence to their employers and 74% would like to have the ability to take a day’s holiday at short notice.

Gordon Adams, Managing Director of Alternative Futures said: “Our research shows that across British businesses, work-life balance is now second only to pay in terms of what matters most in a job. And for employees in the public sector, achieving work-life balance has assumed greater importance than pay.”

Across Britain, Celts – Wales and Scotland – came out top in terms of job satisfaction, while London workers were the least happy with their employment.

While a quarter of employees are able to work from home occasionally, the survey shows the number of homeworkers could double in future. Those who are able to work from home enjoy much higher job satisfaction than those who don’t.

Adams said: “With over a third of employees telling us that they expect to change jobs in the next two years, there could be a win-win here if British industry sharpens up to more flexible working practices.”

The survey indicates that less than one in five British employees would definitely recommend their employer to others. Just 39% considered their organisation to be led and managed well from the top and only 40% thought internal communications within their organisations were good.

Adams added: “Successful managers know that winning the hearts and minds of staff is vital to success. The twin challenges to British Directors are to be seen to provide leadership and to find ways to keep their employees with them.”