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News » 46% of workers ready to quit over office return: Pew Research

46% of workers ready to quit over office return: Pew Research

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WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES — Seventy-five percent of U.S. workers with remote-capable jobs currently work from home at least part-time. According to a new Pew Research Center survey conducted in October 2024, 46% of these employees would likely seek new employment if their remote work privileges were revoked.

Key demographics shape work preferences

The resistance to office returns shows notable demographic patterns. Women (49%) show a stronger inclination than men (43%) to seek new employment over losing remote work options. 

Age also plays a crucial role, with workers under 50 being significantly more likely (50%) to consider leaving compared to their older colleagues (35%).

Growing tension between employers and workers

Among workers who aren’t currently working from home full-time, 75% report their employer now requires in-person work for a specific number of days per week or month, marking an increase from 63% in early 2023. 

Most hybrid workers prefer their current arrangement, with 72% choosing to maintain a hybrid schedule rather than working entirely from home.

Worker satisfaction influences retention

Job satisfaction significantly impacts workers’ willingness to return to the office. The survey found that 52% of workers who are somewhat or less satisfied with their jobs would likely leave if they lost remote work options, compared to 41% of highly satisfied employees.

Spotify, Microsoft maintain flexible work

While companies like Amazon, AT&T, and JPMorgan Chase are pushing for office returns, some, like Spotify and Microsoft, maintain their commitment to flexible work. 

Spotify’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Katarina Berg, emphasizes that work should be viewed as an activity rather than a location, noting no decline in productivity under their distributed work model.

Future outlook

The tension between corporate policies and employee preferences continues to grow. While 83% of big-company CEOs expect employees to be back in the office full-time within the next three years, some HR leaders still believe that hybrid work remains the standard in 2025.

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