Is work-life balance becoming a key deciding factor for today’s youth employment?

Rajib Ahamod graduated from a leading private university in Dhaka in 2023. Although he had completed an internship at a corporate firm as part of his final-year requirements, he chose not to take up a permanent full-time job immediately after graduation.

One factor influencing this decision was his reluctance to dive straight into the grind. "I heard from some of my university seniors and office colleagues that even though their work schedule was officially eight hours a day, five days a week, they often ended up working 10-12 hours daily, including weekends," Rajib explained. 

This did not sit well with him, so he decided to wait for the perfect job opportunity. That opportunity has remained elusive, although he has kept his income stream open through various freelance work.

Raisha Islam's experience was slightly different. Determined not to remain unemployed after graduation, she accepted the first job she was offered, even though the salary was far from ideal. For her, gaining experience was the priority. 

As time went on, however, she began to feel increasingly stressed and physically and mentally drained at her NGO job. She worked six days a week, and although her official work hours ended at 5 pm, she often received messages or calls from her supervisor as late as 11 pm.

"Even if I didn't hear from him most days, the constant fear of being contacted at odd hours or even on weekends was always in the back of my mind," Raisha shared.

Eventually, the stress became unbearable. "I felt like I didn't have any quality time to spend with my family or friends. My mind was always preoccupied with work, and this affected my personal relationships. That's when I decided to take a break from my job, at least for a while."

This highlights a growing trend among today's youth: increasing concern about work-life balance and the pervasive feeling of being overworked. This has discouraged many young people from accepting jobs, even after completing their formal education, thereby contributing to the rising rates of unemployment and NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) status in the country.

"Companies that promote work-life balance often experience higher retention rates as well. In essence, it allows individuals to recharge, maintain their identity beyond their professional roles, and contribute more effectively in all areas of life."

Dr Iftekhar Ul Karim, associate professor at BRAC Business School, BRAC University

According to a study titled "Next Generation: Bangladesh," published by the British Council in July 2024, 42% of young people in Bangladesh are concerned about the prevailing unemployment situation, and 20% cited the imbalance between work and family life as a significant contributing factor. 

Interestingly, this sentiment is common among young people in both rural and urban areas. In rural Bangladesh, 21% of youth identify work-life imbalance as a major barrier to employment, compared to 20% in urban areas. 

This factor surpasses most other barriers to employment, including social stigma, lack of relevant work experience, insufficient skills and inadequate family support. It is tied for second place with discrimination in hiring practices while the most frequently cited factors remain corruption and nepotism (37%).

In Bangladesh, the Labour Act 2006 sets the standard working hours for adult workers (those above 18 years old). According to the Act, the maximum daily working hours are limited to eight hours, while the maximum weekly working hours are capped at 48 hours.

"But that is seldom the case in most workplaces in Bangladesh. In many offices, the work hours are not fixed, and people can work for 11-12 hours on average," shared Susmita Shahreen Newaz, Senior HR Generalist at SELISE Digital Platforms. 

A Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) report also shows that over 50% of private sector workers in Dhaka work over 48 hours per week, and nearly 30% work over 60 hours. 

Dr Md Shamim Hayder Talukder, the CEO of Eminence Associates for Social Development, pointed out that extended working hours in Dhaka's private sector significantly impact mental health, contributing to chronic stress, exhaustion and conditions like depression, anxiety and PTSD.

Notably, in September 2024, a 26-year-old accountant in India reportedly died due to the strain of an overwhelming workload as a new employee. While there is no evidence of a similar incident occurring in Bangladesh, it is highly probable that many workers here are also severely affected by heavy workloads. 

"Hence, addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts from the government, private sector and civil society to promote work-life balance and enhance overall well-being," Dr Talukder said, adding, "There should be policies in place to monitor whether workers are being overworked, and the Ministry of Labour and Employment must take these concerns more seriously."

The previous generation wasn't concerned about these things, but today's youth are becoming increasingly concerned about this, observed Shafiq R Bhuiyan, Head of Internal Communication and CSR, BRAC Bank PLC. 

"Today's youth, particularly Gen Z, emphasises maintaining a clear boundary between work and personal time. In my team, which comprises three individuals from this generation, I've observed that they prefer to adhere strictly to their assigned working hours. While they are open to enjoying leisure time with their colleagues after work, they are generally disinclined to extend their workday beyond the designated hours," Shafiq shared. 

In contrast, his team members aged 30 to 40 often show greater flexibility with work schedules, prioritising tasks and working late due to differing career stages and commitments, Shafiq added. But those who started their careers during the Covid-19 pandemic have adapted to remote work, frequently blending professional and personal environments by taking tasks home.

Rahat Ara Kabir Kheya, a B2B Development Manager at BAT Bangladesh, pointed out that while the appeal of a six-digit salary persists, financial security—often attained through multiple jobs or side hustles—allows young professionals to pursue more flexible work arrangements.

She observes that the availability of work-from-home options has further empowered this shift, especially in cities like Dhaka, where traffic congestion can be physically and mentally draining. "As long as deliverables are met and productivity is maintained, many bosses are supportive of employees working remotely," Kheya said.

Sadi Mohammad Shahnewaz became the arts and entertainment page editor at the national English daily The Daily Star at just 26 years of age. Now at 30, he has several Gen Z members in his team. He acknowledges the shift of mentality in the youth and the need for greater flexibility in work. 

However, he pointed out that for growth, the youth also need to be more dedicated to their work instead of always feeling negative about the concept of working hard. "Suppose one is earning Tk30,000, and may feel like it's unfair if he is working more than the guy who earns Tk40,000. But in the real world, that's not how it always works. Also in the age of modern technology, it's not uncommon to be contacted outside office hours if necessary."

Sadi also highlighted the importance of modern leadership approaches, urging supervisors and managers to adopt a more liberal mindset. He believes that motivating young employees through appreciation, fostering transparency and ensuring flexibility is essential. 

"The youth need a relationship where they can openly communicate with their bosses about any issues. If someone needs to attend a family function, it should be easy for them to approach their boss and request a day or two off," he noted.

He added that work-life balance is not an option, it's a necessity. Every employee should have the opportunity to enjoy life, pursue hobbies and explore new avenues outside of work. 

"It also becomes a bargaining chip. When bosses perceive a well-performing employee as a flight risk—someone who may leave for better opportunities—they are more likely to offer them what they truly deserve," he noted.

Dr Iftekhar Ul Karim, associate professor at BRAC Business School, BRAC University, also stressed that maintaining a life beyond work is essential for personal growth and overall well-being. 

"For young professionals, engaging in hobbies and pursuing creative ambitions reduces stress, improves mental health, increases job satisfaction and prevents burnout. Moreover, participating in activities outside work often enhances skills that are transferable to professional contexts, such as problem-solving, creativity and teamwork," Dr Karim said.  

"Companies that promote work-life balance often experience higher retention rates as well. In essence, it allows individuals to recharge, maintain their identity beyond their professional roles, and contribute more effectively in all areas of life," he concluded.