60% of Americans have an unhealthy work-life balance

Deals website Groupon recently surveyed 2000 Americans on their levels of stress and what they would do to relax if given the chance. The results showed that 60% of our counterparts across the pond are trapped in an unhealthy work-life balance and don’t have enough time in the day to relax.

With all of the pressures and responsibilities of work and home life, a third said they worked too hard, and nearly 40% said they worked too many hours.

“We knew that many Americans were stressed because many of them come to Groupon every day looking for ways to relax. However, we were surprised at just how stressed they really are,” said Silvija Martincevic, Vice President and General Manager of Health, Beauty and Wellness at Groupon. “Balancing the demands of a career and family can be tough, which is why it’s so important to make sure that you regularly give yourself a break.”

The results also showed Americans typically take most, but not all, of their vacation days in a given year. Although the average worker takes 11 days off, the results show it’s for reasons other than rest and relaxation. Of those 11 days taken off from work, six are spent doing things around the home, looking after sick children or pets, running errands, going to appointments, or taking care of other chores.

41% of respondents say it’s been six months or longer since they’ve felt completely relaxed and stress free. More than a quarter reported enduring constant pressure from their boss and roughly one in seven also suffered pressure from their co-workers. The survey showed that about 1.30pm is the most stressful time of the day, and the average worker doesn’t begin to relax until 4.30pm.

“While people are stressed and overworked, the good news is that most people are at least aware of the need to maintain a healthy work-life balance and know exactly what they would do to relax if given the time,” Martincevic added. “Whether it’s a massage or another popular spa treatment, we want to help people find the time and places to relax.”

When it comes to unwinding, getting a massage, manicure or pedicure, going to the beach and hitting the gym, as well as playing video games are some of the things respondents would do if they had a full day off. According to survey respondents, the ideal massage lasts about 48 minutes.

Top three ways women would relax if they had a full day to spend alone:
Get a spa or beauty treatment
Spend a day at the beach
Go to the gym.

Top three ways men would relax:
Spend a day at the beach
Get a spa or beauty treatment
Play video games.