Work/Life Balance Not a Priority for Many Organizations, According to Monster Survey: Study Indicates That Only Half of HR Professionals Believe Work/Life Balance Will Improve Over Next Five Years

Despite a growing awareness of the importance of a healthy work/life balance, workers and employers are often at odds when it comes to the issue, according to survey results released today by Monster(R), the leading global online careers and recruitment resource and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNST). Among the findings of the 2007 Monster Work/Life Balance Survey, 89 percent of employees polled believe work/life balance programs, such as flextime and telecommuting, are important when evaluating a new job, yet only about half of HR professionals polled consider work/life balance to be an important initiative for their companies.

MAYNARD, Mass. (Business Wire EON) November 7, 2007 -- Despite a growing awareness of the importance of a healthy work/life balance, workers and employers are often at odds when it comes to the issue, according to survey results released today by Monster®, the leading global online careers and recruitment resource and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNST). Among the findings of the 2007 Monster Work/Life Balance Survey, 89 percent of employees polled believe work/life balance programs, such as flextime and telecommuting, are important when evaluating a new job, yet only about half of HR professionals polled consider work/life balance to be an important initiative for their companies.

Moreover, we found that a healthy work/life balance is more valued by younger workers - Gen X and Gen Y - so, employers looking to cultivate those talent pools would be well-advised to promote related initiatives.

The survey findings revealed that only 29 percent of workers view their employer’s work/life balance initiatives as good or excellent; in fact, 58 percent say their employer encourages working too much. Furthermore, the long-term outlook does not look promising – 61 percent of HR pros believe there will be more employer-provided work/life balance initiatives in five years, and only 56 percent believe that general work/life balance will improve in the future.

“Developing and promoting a work/life balance program can be a key differentiator in today’s challenging recruitment market where there are ample opportunities for job seekers. Thus, employers should look to improve their employment brand by creating and promoting a flexible, balanced work atmosphere as an effective means of improving recruitment and retention,” said Jesse Harriott, vice president of research, Monster. “Moreover, we found that a healthy work/life balance is more valued by younger workers – Gen X and Gen Y – so, employers looking to cultivate those talent pools would be well-advised to promote related initiatives.”

Employers Undervalue Significance of Work/Life Balance Initiatives’ Impact on Recruitment

More than three-fourths of workers believe that work/life balance initiatives result in more loyal and efficient employees, and 82 percent say that in the offer stage, a potential employer’s work/life balance initiatives are important or very important to consider. However, only half (49 percent) of HR professionals feel they acquire more qualified candidates because of their work/life balance initiatives.

Managers and Corporate Culture Largely Shape Employee Work/Life Balance

Sixty percent of employees say they spend too much time working – with about one-third (35 percent) blaming their boss’ expectations and one-fourth (26 percent) saying they overwork to fit in with corporate culture.

In addition, 91 percent of workers have worked directly with someone they would classify as a “workaholic.” Of this group, 51 percent say that doing so spurred working longer hours; 28 percent report giving up vacation days as a result. Image plays a part, as well – 25 percent of workers admitted to boasting about work/life imbalance to demonstrate commitment and hard work ethic.

Technology’s Impact on Work/Life Balance

Interestingly, workers believe that advances in mobile technology will actually damage their work/life balance, as evidenced by the following findings:

• 64 percent predict that employees will spend more time working due to the increased use of PDAs, while 72 percent say the same will be true due to the increased use of laptop computers
• Of workers who currently have a PDA, 44 percent wish they could relinquish using it outside of work
• Nearly one-third say their PDA limits the quality of face-to-face interactions with colleagues and/or people outside of work

Survey Methodology

The 2007 Monster Work/Life Balance Survey was conducted online in August 2007. Respondents include 506 human resource professionals and 830 workers. This poll is not scientific and reflects the opinions of only those Internet users who have chosen to participate.

About Monster Worldwide

Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNST), parent company of Monster®, the premier global online employment solution for more than a decade, strives to bring people together to advance their lives. With a local presence in key markets in North America, Europe, and Asia, Monster works for everyone by connecting employers with quality job seekers at all levels and by providing personalized career advice to consumers globally. Through online media sites and services, Monster delivers vast, highly targeted audiences to advertisers. Monster Worldwide is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the NASDAQ 100. To learn more about Monster’s industry-leading products and services, visit www.monster.com. More information about Monster Worldwide is available at www.monsterworldwide.com.

Special Note: Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for historical information contained herein, the statements made in this release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding Monster Worldwide, Inc.’s strategic direction, prospects and future results. Certain factors, including factors outside of Monster Worldwide’s control, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward- looking statements, including economic and other conditions in the markets in which Monster Worldwide operates, risks associated with acquisitions, competition, seasonality and the other risks discussed in Monster Worldwide’s Form 10-K and other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.