More employers are offering work-life balance programs than two years ago, according to the results of a study from the Association of Executive Search Consultants.

BlueSteps career and management service of the AESC conducted a poll of 1,134 senior executives this summer and compared it to the results from a 2006, the last time this study was taken. The findings show that the number of employers offering work-life balance programs went from 8% to 25% today.

Leaders are benefiting from such programs, too. A full 40% of respondents believe their work-life balance has improved in the last five years, which is up 5%.

"In the last two years, employers seem to have better grasped the delicate act of helping their employees to balance personal life and work,” notes Peter Felix, president of the AESC. "This issue has become a genuine concern among senior executives and therefore needs to be addressed within corporate culture.”

Globalization and technology such as improved connections and the BlackBerry have cut into leisure time, according to 60% of respondents. Somewhat surprisingly, though, executives also seem to be working fewer hours. Only 46% of respondents report working longer hours due to a heavier workload, as compared to 46% in 2006. And fewer respondents reported having their work hours increase in the last five years – dropping 5% to 54% today.

When it comes to money, though, 66% of senior leaders wouldn’t consider working fewer hours if it meant their earnings would drop proportionately.

Amy Schurr is the former managing features editor of Network World.