For Gen Zs, work-life balance means equal focus on career and love, survey shows

Gen Z, often characterised as “digital natives” and a generation deeply influenced by rapid technological advancement and global shifts, stands out for its remarkably dynamic approach to work-life balance.

Unlike earlier generations, who often prioritised personal well-being or oriented career advancement as a key focus point, this approach reflects their pursuit of integrated fulfilment, fundamentally reshaping expectations for work-life balance. They are successful in both spheres, seeing them as complementary paths to a meaningful life

BusinessDay Gen Z pick for May 2025 survey aimed to bridge the perceived gap between Gen Z’s professional aspirations and their relationships (specifically, their love lives), exploring how they handle the changes that come with managing both, or if they choose one against the other. The insights reveal an evolving perspective on work-life integration among Gen Z professionals.

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When asked about their top priority with the question “What is your top priority right now? As Gen Z,…” a significant 57.9% of our correspondents indicated that their priority right now is equal value for both professional life and relationship life, signifying a strong desire to harmonise these two essential aspects of their existence.

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Following this, 26.3% of our Gen Z correspondents expressed a clear focus only on professional growth, underscoring the ongoing importance of career development and establishing a solid foundation for their future. 15.8% of our Gen Z respondents focused on building meaningful relationships. Notably, none of our Gen Z correspondents acknowledged that they are still figuring out how to handle professional life and relationships.

When asked, “Do you believe it’s possible to have a thriving career and a successful relationship at the same time?” 78.9% of our correspondents strongly believe they can have a thriving career and also a healthy relationship at the same time. The remaining 21.1% responded that “maybe, but it’s challenging,”. However, none of our correspondents had any opinion on “I haven’t figured it out yet” and “not really, one always suffers,” further solidifying the general confidence in their ability to pursue both career and relationship success.

Understanding the frequency of work’s impact on personal life is a key factor initiating the question, “How often does work interfere with your relationships?”, 68.4% of respondents mentioned “sometimes,” highlighting the common interplay between professional and personal demands. This was followed by 15.8% who rarely experience work interfering with their relationship. The same 15.8% also reported “always” experiencing interference with work and their relationship.

One of the survey questions was “Which of these would you sacrifice if you had to choose?” Gives a hypothetical choice between sacrificing one for the other, 78.9% of our respondents firmly stated “Neither,”.

A smaller segment, 15.8%, indicated a willingness to sacrifice “love and relationship,” implying that for this group, career advancement or stability might take precedence in a forced choice scenario. Finally, 5.3% of our correspondents were “not sure” which to sacrifice for the other.

We asked, “Do you think remote work has made it easier to balance work and relationships?”, exploring the impact of remote work, 42.1% of respondents said “yes,” believing that more time at home helps to handle the balance between professional and relationship commitments.

However, 31.6% of the respondents stated that it depends “on the nature of the relationship,” acknowledging that the impact of remote work isn’t universal and is influenced by the specific dynamics and communication styles within a relationship. Furthermore, 21.1% agreed that “both remote and in-office work are the same, that work just follows you everywhere,”. A small segment, 5.3%, responded that they “haven’t had the experience yet,” indicating they have not yet worked remotely.

Identifying the primary obstacles to work-life balance is crucial to help develop this balance, fostering the survey question “What’s the biggest challenge in balancing your career and love life?”. 42.1% pointed out that “communication gaps” are their biggest challenge in balancing career and relationship. Following this, 26.3% of our respondents stated that “time constraints” are a great gap in balancing career and love life.

Furthermore, 21.1% mentioned “emotional exhaustion,” indicating that the mental and emotional toll of demanding careers can leave little energy for nurturing relationships, highlighting the importance of self-care. Lastly, 10.5% identified “misaligned priorities,”.

The quest for better life, professional growth create distance between partners or perception change which aided the question “Which would you prioritise if you had to relocate for a job?”, When faced with the decision of relocating for a job, 47.4% said that they would still try to balance both relationship and career, reaffirming their commitment to integrating both aspects of their lives.

A significant 42.1% stated that they would rather focus more on their career because, for them, their career comes first. In contrast, 5.3% of our respondents said their “relationship is more important, so their priority is on their relationship” over their career. The same 5.3% also reported being “undecided,” showcasing the genuine difficulty and personal conflict that such a pivotal decision can entail.

The survey concluded by exploring Gen Z’s perception of their impact on work-life balance norms. Through the question “Do you think your generation is redefining the concept of work-life balance?”. A large percentage of 73.7% responded by saying “yes,” that the Gen Z generation is changing relationships and work-life balance by acknowledging the initiation of flexibility and freedom.

21.1% said “somewhat,” that it is still evolving and that there is more from the generation in reshaping the work-life balance. Only 5.3% see “no change impacted by the Gen Z generation,” believing that it is still the same work-life balance struggle.

The voices we collected from our Gen Z correspondents in open-ended responses provide invaluable qualitative insights into the nuanced perspectives of Gen Z regarding the balance between work and relationships.

One respondent shared, “Would create a workable plan for the relationship to work with the nuances of its definitions without encroaching into other sub-groups of existing relationships and Work Schedules…” a statement that reflects the generation’s desire for intentional structures that respect both personal boundaries and professional obligations, while acknowledging the complex and evolving nature of modern relationships.

Another response, “Cut long distance,” though brief, conveys the emotional and logistical strain that distance can place on relationships, especially when career opportunities require geographic mobility, highlighting a preference for proximity in sustaining emotional connections. Similarly, the phrase “Work mode” reveals how some Gen Z individuals consciously employ mental compartmentalisation to switch between professional duties and personal interactions, suggesting a growing awareness of the need to protect mental space for each.

In a more introspective tone, one participant offered, “Have deeper understanding of work and relationship in my journey of life,” indicating a generational inclination toward self-reflection and a long-term mindset in learning how to navigate these dual priorities. The assertion, “Work first, then relationship.

Without work, we can’t relate,” underscores a pragmatic outlook held by some that financial independence and career security form the bedrock for meaningful, sustainable relationships.

Finally, a respondent suggested, “For both to acknowledge each other better and work together. E.g., daycare in the office,” introduces a progressive call for structural solutions that enable true work-life integration, advocating for workplace environments that actively support the realities of personal life rather than treating them as separate or secondary.