66% of U.S. financial leaders resist full-time office return

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — Around 66% of financial leaders in the United States (U.S.) would think about leaving their jobs if asked to return to the office full-time. 

A recent survey by professional services network Deloitte and markets researcher Workplace Intelligence revealed that companies might face a potential leadership void if they enforce strict in-office policies.

The findings showed that caregivers are particularly pressured by return-to-office policies, being more inclined to resign than non-caregivers if their remote work benefits were removed. 

Furthermore, despite many firms promoting a 3-4 days in-office schedule, only 18% of those surveyed considered this setup ideal. 

Particularly concerning is the revelation that nearly half of the female senior leaders considered exiting their current roles within the forthcoming year.

However, 62% of leaders working in a hybrid environment also believed that increased remote work might harm their career trajectory. 

Deloitte’s Neda Shemluck highlighted the importance of refining in-person interactions and identifying tasks apt for remote execution while ensuring employees maintain flexibility. 

“Financial services institutions should be immensely concerned that many of their leaders — particularly women in senior leadership roles — have one foot out the door,” added Workplace Intelligence Managing Partner Dan Schawbel.

Schawbel also underscored the balancing act companies must maintain between achieving business goals and nurturing employee well-being.