In what has been described as a ‘seismic shift’ in attitude amongst top talent, the Brussels-based Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC) has found that more than eight out of 10 (85%) exec recruiters have had candidates reject a plum job offer because of work-life balance considerations. Further, a quarter of search consultants in the global survey believed that work balance is more important than increased earnings, whilst six out of 10 now rated it about the same. Common demands from candidates included telecommuting, flexible work schedules and limited travel. The ability to take a sabbatical also emerged as popular. “Results like these demonstrate just how fast the corporate world is changing,” says Suzannah Chapple, Chapple CEO. “It’s not just recruiters who need to be aware of and able to respond to these changes in their search for top talent; organizations, too, must adapt their avoidable roles and positions accordingly.”