Is Work-Life Balance Attainable in eCommerce?

Work-life balance has become a major talking point in recent years, and rightly so. But is it truly achievable in the fast-paced world of eCommerce?

From tight deadlines to changing consumer behaviour, eCommerce professionals are used to juggling priorities. According to our 2025 eCommerce Salary Survey, that pressure is being felt across the board. On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being a very heavy workload), the average workload score is 7.8. That’s pretty high.

Despite this, average job happiness sits at 6.7, which shows that while people enjoy their roles, there’s still room for improvement when it comes to balance and support.

The impact of workload on mental health

With constant deadlines, sales targets and system changes, it’s no surprise that workload has a ripple effect on wellbeing. Here’s how people say it’s impacting them:

• 53% reported increased stress or anxiety
• 33% cited growing frustration
• 31% said poor work-life balance was a direct result

So, while hybrid working has made big strides (more on that shortly), the pressure of always being “on” - whether in the office or not - is leading to burnout for many.

Can people speak up about their well-being?

Here’s where it gets tricky. Only 44% of eCommerce professionals believe there is an open-door policy to raise workplace concerns - a noticeable drop from 61% last year.

When it comes to who they would talk to:

• 30% say they’d speak to their direct manager
• Only 11% would approach HR
• 41% feel they have no one to confide in

That last stat is particularly worrying. With such a large proportion feeling unheard, businesses must take action. Senior leaders and HR teams need to actively encourage open conversations and make it clear where people can go for support.

Is hybrid working helping?

Absolutely - but it’s not the whole solution. In our previous report insights, 69% of professionals said they perform best in a hybrid model, and 82% of management prefer it too. It provides flexibility, improves focus, and is now a must-have for 85% of job seekers.

Hybrid working is a huge step towards balance, but if the workload remains high and there’s nowhere to turn for support, the benefits can only go so far.

So, is balance really attainable?

It can be, but only if businesses look beyond perks and tackle the root causes of burnout. Open communication, realistic workloads, and genuine wellbeing strategies must be part of the culture. Hybrid work opens the door, but companies need to step through it by creating an environment where employees feel heard, supported, and set up for long-term success.

At Cranberry Panda, we’re committed to helping eCommerce brands not only find top talent but build teams that thrive. Let’s make balance more than just a buzzword. If you're looking for an eCommerce recruitment agency that looks beyond the CV, we are just a call away. Click below to speak to the team!