Survey analysis

 Work-life balance survey analysis

My research topic: Work-life balance expectations and working culture across countries 

Target: Japanese and international students 

Number of respondants: 32

Students had to answer 24 questions about their own opinions and experiences of work-life balance and working culture, as well as the norms and rules in their home countries.

Results:

Question 2

The survey included both Japanese and international students. The majority of respondents (62.5%) were international students, while 37.5% were Japanese students. This provided a diverse sample and allowed for many perspectives from both local and international students.

Question 3

The survey respnses were fairly balanced in terms of gender. Of the 30 respondents who answered this question, 53.3% identified as female and 46.7% as male. No respondents selected the "prefer not to say" option. This relatively even distribution helps provide perspectives from both genders.  

Question 4

The survey participants came from a variety of countries, with Germany (34.4%) and Japan (31.3%) representing the largest groups. A smaller number of respondents came from countries such as Belgium, Colombia, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Taiwan, and the United States. Overall, the results reflect a diverse international sample, although German and Japanese participants made up the majority of respondents.

Question 5

Most respondents currently live in Japan (62.5%), followed by Germany (28.1%). A smaller number of participants reported living in Luxembourg.

Question 6

The majority of respondents were either studying (46.9%) or both studying and working (37.5%). Only 15.6% reported that they were working only, and no respondents selected "neither." This suggests that the survey mainly reflects the views of students and young people who are balancing education and work.

Question 7

The results show that most respondents (87.5%) have worked in a paid job before, while only 12.5% have not. This indicates that the majority of participants have some work experience, which may help explain their views on topics such as working hours, overtime, salary, and work-life balance.

Question 8

The results show that respondents slightly tend to see a successful career as more important than having a lot of free time. While most participants chose the neutral option (43.8%), half of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement. This suggests that career success is generally valued, although many people seem to consider both career and free time important.

Question 9

The results show that most respondents would be willing to accept longer working hours if the salary was significantly higher. The majority of participants agreed (43.8%) or strongly agreed (21.9%) with the statement, while only a small number disagreed. This suggests that higher pay is an important factor for many respondents and can make longer working hours more acceptable.

Question 10

The results show that flexible working hours are important to most respondents. Nearly 75% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, while only a small number disagreed. This suggests that flexibility at work is highly valued and is an important factor for many people when considering a job.

Question 11

The results show that most respondents believe remote work would improve their work-life balance. More than 80% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, while only a few participants disagreed. This suggests that remote work is generally seen as a positive way to achieve a better balance between work and personal life.

Question 12

The results show that the most preferred working time is 36–40 hours per week, chosen by 59.4% of respondents. Another 28.1% preferred 31–35 hours, while only 12.5% chose less than 30 hours. No respondents selected more than 40 hours per week. This suggests that most participants prefer a standard full-time schedule rather than very short or very long working hours.

Question 13 and 14

The results suggest that a typical workday in the respondents’ countries starts between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. and ends between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. The most common answers were 9:00 a.m. for the start of the workday and 5:00 p.m. for the end. Overall, the responses indicate that a standard workday usually lasts around eight hours and follows a traditional full-time schedule.

 

Question 15

The results show that most respondents are willing to work overtime occasionally. The largest group (37.5%) selected “sometimes,” followed by 28.1% who chose “often.” Only a small number of participants were unwilling to work overtime, while very few were willing to do so very frequently. This suggests that respondents generally accept overtime as long as it is not a regular occurrence.

Question 16

The results show that, for most respondents, working overtime is considered a normal part of work culture. A majority of participants (62.5%) answered “yes,” while 31.3% said “no.” Only a few respondents selected other options. This suggests that overtime is generally accepted and expected in many of the cultures represented in the survey.

  

Question 17

The results show that, in many respondents’ cultures, people who work long hours are respected. A majority of participants (62.5%) answered “yes,” while 31.3% said “no.” Only a small number chose the neutral option. This suggests that long working hours are often associated with dedication and commitment, although this view is not shared by everyone.

Question 18

The results show mixed opinions on whether employers should avoid contacting employees after working hours. The largest group of respondents (37.5%) selected the neutral option, while more participants disagreed (34.4%) than agreed (28.2%) with the statement. This suggests that there is no clear consensus, although many respondents seem to accept some level of work-related contact outside regular working hours.

Question 19

The results show that separating private life and work life is very important to respondents. An overwhelming majority (90.6%) answered “yes,” while only 9.4% answered “no.” This suggests that maintaining a clear boundary between work and personal life is a key priority for most participants.

Question 20

The results show that salary is the most important factor when choosing a job, with 71.9% of respondents selecting this option. A good working atmosphere was the second most common choice (50%), followed by job security, career growth, and work-life balance (43.8% each). Flexible working hours and meaningful work were chosen less frequently. This suggests that financial stability remains the main priority, although workplace environment and long-term career factors are also highly valued.

Question 21

The results show mixed views on whether family and private life are prioritized over work. The majority of respondents (56.3%) selected “sometimes,” while 28.1% answered “no” and only 15.6% answered “yes.” This suggests that the importance of family and private life compared to work depends on the situation and may vary across different cultures and workplaces.

Question 22

The results show that respondents are generally open to accepting a job with a high salary despite frequent overtime. Half of the participants answered “probably yes” or “definitely yes,” while 25% were unsure. Only about 25% said they would probably or definitely not accept the offer. This suggests that a higher salary can make frequent overtime more acceptable for many respondents, although not everyone is willing to make that trade-off.

Question 23

The results show that most respondents would accept a job with an average salary if it offered flexible working hours and remote work. Around 59.4% answered “probably yes” or “definitely yes,” while 21.9% were unsure. Only a small number of participants said they would not accept the offer. This suggests that flexibility and remote work are highly valued and can compensate for a lower salary for many respondents.

Question 24

The responses show that respondents generally associate a good work-life balance with having enough free time for family, friends, hobbies, and personal interests. Many participants emphasized the importance of being able to separate work and private life, having flexible working conditions, and being able to take time off when needed. Several responses also mentioned fair compensation, but most focused on having enough time and energy to enjoy life outside of work. Overall, a good work-life balance is seen as maintaining a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being.

Conclusion

Overall, the survey results show that respondents value both career success and a healthy work-life balance. 

While salary remains an important factor when choosing a job, many participants also highlighted the importance of flexible working hours, remote work opportunities, and having enough time for family, friends, and personal interests. The results suggest that most people are willing to work hard and occasionally accept overtime, but they still want clear boundaries between their professional and private lives. 

In general, the survey shows that today's workers are looking not only for financial security but also for a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed my blog post!