RESEARCHERS from the University of Essex have found people who focus more on their career goals over fun and freedom are less happy than those who don't.

The Value Fulfilment and Well-being: Clarifying Directions Over Time study has been conducted by Dr Paul Hanel, from the University of Essex's psychology department.

The vast observational report focuses on how an individual's work-life balance can have a positive or negative impact on their overall happiness.

Dr Hanel found participants who place more value on freedom alongside work goals had a “13 per cent increase in well-being” and enjoyed “better sleep quality and life satisfaction.”

Those who prioritised making time for relaxation and hobbies, meanwhile, saw a recorded “well-being boost" of eight per cent and a ten per cent "drop in stress and anxiety”.

Speaking about the report, Dr Hanel said: “We all know the old saying ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’ and this study shows it might actually be true.

"There is no benefit to well-being in prioritising achievement over fun and autonomy.

"This research shows there are real benefits to having a balanced life and taking time to focus on enjoying ourselves and following individual goals.”

The scientific experiment was carried out by more than 180 participants in India, Turkey and the UK.