A work-life balance is an important consideration when seeking jobs for 77% of workers in the Asia-Pacific region and 65% of workers in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, according to a new report by Kelly Services.

“The talent workforce in both Asia-Pacific and EMEA are increasingly demanding work-life balance in their professional lives with flexible work arrangements as top of their wish list”, said Natalia Shuman, senior VP and general manager – EMEA and APAC regions of Kelly Services. “Now more than ever, companies operating in these regions need to keep up with innovative global practices to provide greater flexibility in the workplace, in order stay relevant in the competitive global fight for talent”.

Flexible work schedules and arrangements such as working remotely or telecommuting were important to 70% of Asia-Pacific workers. Limitations on working out typical business hours were important to 47%, paid time off was important to 33% and wellness programs such as on-site fitness centres were important to 42%.

For EMEA workers, flexible schedules were important to 63%. Limits on working outside of typical business hours were important to 38%, paid time off was important to 43% and wellness programs were important to 39%.

Kelly Services’ research also showed that workplace flexibility is also no longer a gender issue.

The report is based on a survey of 164,000 workers across 28 countries across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions and a multitude of industries and occupations

Kelly Service’s full report is available online.