Talent Strap

Are workers taking enough time off to fully unplug? Two-thirds of U.S. employees say they “work to live,” according to LinkedIn’s Workforce Confidence survey. Finance professionals, researchers, program/project managers, administrative workers and legal professionals are the most likely to agree. But that’s not always reflected in their actions. Working through vacation, or skipping out on taking time off entirely, could be getting in the way of a healthy work-life balance. On average, 58% of U.S. workers still check in with work during their planned time off. That rate is highest for business development workers (73%), program/project managers (69%) and legal professionals (68%). Meanwhile, quality assurance workers, customer success and support workers and administrative workers are least likely to check in with work from vacation. About 36% of U.S. workers feel guilty when they take time off from work, but that rate is even higher for real estate professionals (48%), business development professionals (41%) and educators (41%). Those working in military and protective services, real estate, QA, education and business development were the least likely to say they are working to live. Whether you work in one of these roles or another, what gets in the way of unplugging from work? What can employers do to encourage a work-life balance? ✍️: Rachel Cromidas 📊: Allie Lewis, Bud Rashidian

Who are the professionals happiest with their paychecks? About 44% of U.S. professionals feel well compensated for the work they do — but that figure is higher for workers in certain roles, according to the latest findings of LinkedIn’s Workforce Confidence survey. The survey found that engineers and program/project managers have the highest rates of pay satisfaction: 54% said they feel well compensated at work. Employees in finance, research, quality assurance, human resources and business development roles also have above-average pay satisfaction. Just over half of workers in each of those job functions said they believe they are well paid. Workers in consulting and information technology also reported above average pay satisfaction (49% and 48% respectively). The kind of work you do may not be the only factor in deciding how happy you will be about your paycheck. Other recent LinkedIn findings show that older workers are more likely to be happier with their pay than younger workers, and remote and hybrid workers are more satisfied than their fully on-site colleagues. If you work in one of these jobs, why do you think your role is so valued in the workplace? And what advice do you have for others in your field looking to earn more? Weigh in below. ✍️: Rachel Cromidas 📊: Allie Lewis, Bud Rashidian