DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – A new internal review from Ford found that many of its workers favor a pay cut in order to have a better work/life balance. 

“In fact, half of the global workforce would accept a 20% pay cut in favor of prioritizing their quality of life,” Ford’s review said. “But that doesn’t mean they don’t care about their jobs. The majority report feeling connected to their roles at work but acknowledge that a stressful job simply isn’t worth it.” 

Can the role of technology improve quality of life?

MORE NEWS: Detroit Settles with Police and Fire Pension Board on 30-Year Plan for Deferred Payments

One of the alternatives proposed was increasing the role of technology in the workplace.  

“Looking to the future provides hope, with technology being the key,” the review said. “Most feel that AI will contribute to a better work-life balance, and may even guide them to their next job.” 

Ford further revealed that 77% of the 16,086 online interviews conducted for employees agreed with the question “I prioritize a balanced personal life over my advancement at work.” 

Some are willing to take pay cuts.

A further breakdown of the countries that responded revealed that 50% of adults in the United States desire “to achieve a lifestyle that prioritizes my quality of life, I would be willing to take a 20% pay cut.” 

However, within the overall adult category, 60% of Millennials agreed with the sentiment, 56% of Generation Z agreed, 43% of Generation X agreed, and only 33% of Baby Boomers said they would take a pay cut. 

“It shocked us. I’ll be honest,” said Jen Brace, chief futurist at Ford who coordinated the 2024 Trend Report and its findings. “A 20% pay cut is a big deal. I didn’t think we’d get the level of response in terms of number of people; 52% is huge. If you look generationally, and if you look in the U.S. in particular, you saw our younger generations being even more willing to give up money for a better quality of life.”

The Historic United Auto Workers strike may have impacted this.

MORE NEWS: Forgotten Heroes Finally Find Peace: 13 Unclaimed Veterans Laid to Rest in Holly Township

The study comes months after the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike which reached a tentative agreement with Ford in Oct. seeking higher wages and other benefits. 

Some of the major victories outlined by the UAW include a reinstatement of benefits lost during the Great Recession including: Cost of Living Allowances, the removal of wage tiers in the union, improved retirement benefits, as well as the right to strike over plant closures- the first time the auto union has garnered this right.