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For Australians seeking the ideal career, we have published a report highlighting the best and worst jobs and industries for achieving work-life balance. Choosing your professional path makes a massive impact on your personal life, so whatever choice you have in mind, we have the rankings on what career or industry best accommodates its employees in our Balanced Careers report.
What’s Included?
In our 2025 Balanced Careers report, Reckon analysed careers and industries based on four work-life balance factors:
- Workload Impact
- Life Balance Proxies
- Flexibility and Time Autonomy
- Household Time Load
Workload Impact
Workload impact score examines multiple indicators that may increase employee stress and affect life outside of work. We evaluated this score based on several factors: hours worked, work stress, overtime conditions, and distance from work (in kilometres).
Life Balance Proxies
Life balance was analysed by how valued the individual is, and how accessible interests and self-care outside of work are. This metric was weighed on: Weekly earnings – Median Income, Physical Activity (outside of work), and Volunteer Work (community engagement).
Flexibility & Time Autonomy
The flexibility employees have in choosing their hours and working conditions, particularly in hybrid settings, is a significant factor in how Aussies decide their career path and industry. We used two metrics to weigh this factor: Flexible Work (work-hour arrangements) and Work-From-Home Flexibility.
Household Time Load
This factor examines the time working Aussies can spend at home, caring for domestic responsibilities, and their availability to care for their children. We used two metrics for this factor: Unpaid Domestic Work and Unpaid Childcare.
Balanced Careers Results
The results of our report found that when looking at career paths based solely on their weighted scores by averages, white collar roles more often than not rank far better than their blue-collar counterparts.
Our report also reveals that industries with the most flexible working arrangements were office environments and those with a high administrative focus.
The Balance Careers research also revealed that, looking at certain weights and metrics for one of the four factors, Aussies can find a more balanced representation of careers and industries. Careers and Industries that aren’t necessarily white-collar are restrictive, offering something for everyone, depending on their work preferences.
What’s next?
Striking the right work-life balance is now one of the most essential aspects for Aussies when job and career searching. Our report demonstrates that, where some industries and careers excel, every job has its merits. Check out where your job ranks and download our report here.
