Nearly half of all city workers believe they do not have the right balance between their work and personal lives, a survey reveals.

The Newspoll survey of full time city workers in five capital cities reveals 60 per cent spend their weekends shopping, but most would rather be relaxing with family and friends or simply enjoying a summer's day at the beach.

The poll surveyed 279 full time workers living in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. It found 44 per cent believed they did not have the right balance between work and personal life.

The survey, commissioned by online comparison shopping site, DoorOne, shows people needed to delegate jobs to allow them more time with their families, work/life balance expert Mark McKeon said.

Time is a precious thing and a lack of balance in your life can not only lead to fatigue and frustration, but can also put you at risk of jeopardising that essential bond with loved ones and that all important you time, he said.