A new study by goBeyondProfit and Georgia CEO finds that 51% of employees left a job due to a lack of generosity to employees, in large part to seek out a better quality of life. So, we asked employees about their pursuit of quality of life, including what, if any, sacrifices they were willing to make regarding compensation to achieve it. 

Ultimately, 67% of employees currently are or would be willing to accept lower compensation for a better quality of life. This isn’t just true of younger employees – Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X all prioritize it.

For many, quality of life is about relationships. Employees want flexibility to manage the demands of family and spend time with friends. Other key aspects of quality of life were mental health, physical health, and financial security.

Alarmingly, the report reveals a gap between executives and employees. Only 19% of executives believe young workers prioritize quality of life over pay, while 34% of young workers say they already do. A similar gap exists for workers over 35.

High burnout levels (69% of employees) may be driving the quality-of-life focus. The ongoing pervasiveness of burnout helps to explain why employees continue to prioritize mental health support in the pursuit of a greater quality of life. Those who say they are currently sacrificing compensation to achieve a better quality of life are more likely to be very happy at work and not suffering from burnout. 

Companies can help by offering mental health support (currently offered by only 55% of companies). Investing in employee well-being not only benefits workers but also boosts productivity and the company's bottom line. 

The full report explores ways to implement generosity and improve quality-of-life.