Employees on zero-hours contracts (ZCH) experience similar levels of job satisfaction, work-life balance and personal well-being to employees on permanent, full-time contracts.

According to the research by the CIPD, 65% of employees on ZHC are satisfied with their jobs, compared to 63% of all employees.

62% of employees on ZHC say they have the right work-life balance, compared to 58% of all employees.

32% of employees on ZHC are less likely to feel under too much pressure at work, compared to 41% of all employees.

The research estimates that the number of employees on zero hour contracts has increased from 1 million in 2013 to 1.3 million in 2015.

CIPD’s report also found that employees on short-term ZHC were among the most satisfied:

• 74% of employees on short-term ZHC say they have the right work-life balance
• 14% feel under excessive pressure at work at least once or twice a week.

Peter Cheese, chief executive of the CIPD, said:

“Our research shows that zero-hours contracts employees don’t always see their jobs in such a negative light. On average, they find their jobs as satisfying as other employees which suggests that zero-hours contracts offer positives as well as negatives.”

Mark Beatson, chief economist at the CIPD, added:

“Well-managed zero-hours contracts can be an effective means of matching the needs and requirements of modern business and modern working lives, but as the numbers continue to rise, it’s important that employers understand how to make this match. ”