Following the publication in Britain this week of the Women and Work commission's report into gender segregation and pay, it was interesting to see a survey of Londoners which found that far more women than men view owning a business as the key to better work-life balance.
Half the women (52 per cent) questioned in a survey commissioned by Business Link for London believe achieving a good work-life balance is one of the best aspects of running a business, in contrast to just over a third of men (36 per cent).
The survey, which polled almost 2,500 Londoners about their motivation for owning their own business revealed other gender discrepancies.
Over half the women (57 per cent) said that they believed that owning their own business would provide freedom from the everyday "9 to 5" compared to just 45 per cent of men.
On the other hand, the majority of men surveyed (60 per cent) viewed being a master of their own destiny, as the best aspect of starting a business compared to only 52 per cent of women.
Alison White, acting Chief Executive of Business Link for London, said: "Starting up a business can be a rewarding experience for many reasons. Our research has shown that for women in particular it is the opportunity to achieve an optimum work-life balance that is seen as the greatest benefit."
