Young remote workers would rather quit than return to office

Study: Marginalised workers and Millennials most likely to quit over lack of remote work

LONDON, ENGLAND — Remote work continues to be the major deciding factor for both current and prospective employees when deciding on a job.

Research has shown that British job seekers consistently rank remote or flexible work options as one of the most desirable features attracting them to a certain position.

However, new data indicate this may also be the case for current workers.

In fact, a recently released survey by Employment Hero, an all-in-one HR, payroll and benefits platform, found that nearly half of British employees who are currently working remotely at least part of the time would quit if forced back into the office.

The survey included 2,021 participants: 730 office workers, 851 hybrid workers and 440 remote workers.

Employment Hero noted, “While some employers are pushing a return to the office, it’s important to note this could come at a cost.

“A staggering 44 per cent of remote and hybrid employees surveyed said they would consider quitting their job if their employers forced them back into the office full time.

“This is a big consideration for employers as they look to retain their team over the coming months and years.”

Younger workers want remote work the most

Employment Hero’s research also found employees from marginalised groups were 40 per cent more likely to say they would quit if forced back into the office.

But overall, younger workers were the most likely group to quit over remote work options.

“We found that younger employees are the biggest supporters of remote working, with 95 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds wanting to work remotely at least one day per week,” the survey found.

“Around 61 per cent of 18 to 44-year-olds stated that they would likely consider a permanent remote position.

“This signals the changing preferences of our emerging leaders and workforce…”

The study highlighted the shifting sentiment towards remote work, noting that the pandemic has given workers a new appreciation for flexible work arrangements.

“Remote working has shown us that, more than anything, we’re looking for flexibility,” Employment Hero summarised.

“We want to have the option to work remotely and create better work-life balance.

“Our findings show that 88 per cent of knowledge workers would work remotely at least one day per week, and more than three-quarters of UK knowledge workers would consider a permanent remote position.”

Find the latest remote jobs in the UK via Remote Worker.

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References:

Employment Hero, “Remote Work Report 2022”