University Jobs: Why Public Sector Careers Stand Out For Work-Life Balance

As the festive season approaches, many professionals take stock of their work-life balance. For those in demanding roles like Facilities Management, Estates, or Health & Safety, the holidays can highlight the challenges of private-sector jobs, especially in industries like retail, construction, or healthcare, where the season often brings peak workloads.

University jobs in the public sector, however, offer a different story—combining exceptional work-life balance with benefits that make the festive season and beyond more rewarding.

Unrivalled holidays: a highlight of university jobs

Unlike many sectors, university employees enjoy generous closure periods, particularly over Christmas. Most institutions shut their doors around December 20th and don’t reopen until January 2^nd, 3^rd or even 6^th January. These two weeks off are classed as closure days, meaning they don’t come out of your annual leave allowance.

That’s not all—closure periods often extend to Easter and Summer, providing staff with plenty of downtime.

Add these to annual leave entitlements and bank holidays, and university staff typically enjoy 40 to 45 days off per year. Compare that to the private sector’s average of 34 days, and it’s easy to see the appeal.

Perks that go beyond holidays

Universities offer a range of additional benefits that make them a great choice for professionals in capital projects, estates, facilities and safety functions:

Generous Pension Schemes: Defined benefit pensions, such as the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), provide exceptional long-term financial security.
Job Stability: Public sector jobs are renowned for their stability, an attractive prospect for those in high-pressure operational roles.
Professional Development: Universities prioritise upskilling their teams, with access to training, workshops and certifications—often at no cost.
Flexibility: Many university jobs now offer hybrid or flexible working arrangements, helping employees achieve a better work-life balance.
Wellness Programs: From on-site gyms to mental health support services, universities actively promote the well-being of their staff.
Family-Friendly Policies: Parental leave and childcare support ensure universities are ideal for professionals with families.

ready to explore university jobs?

At Boden Group, we specialise in connecting professionals in Capital Projects, Estates, Facilities Management and Health & Safety with rewarding roles in the public sector, including universities. Whether you’re looking to step up your career or find a role that values work-life balance, we can help.

As the year winds down, why not take this time to reflect on your career goals and make a move that sets you up for success in 2025?

Discover the roles we’re recruiting for across the public sector right now. This could be your first step toward a career that truly works for you.