One in three employees threaten to leave if WFH ends
Remote work may have been a necessity of 2020, but now employees are calling for it to be a regular occurrence – with one in three workers threatening to quit if they’re recalled to the office.
A recent report from Robert Half found that 33% of those currently working remotely would look for a new role if they were told to be in the office full-time. In fact, 51% those asked said they want a hybrid model – splitting their time between the office and their homes. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t valid concerns being raised – such as workplace relationships suffering (39%), poor chances of promotions (21%), and a lack of productivity (16%).
"After more than a year of uncertainty and pandemic-induced remote work, there is a growing desire among some business leaders to return to business as usual, including welcoming employees back to the office once it is considered safe," commented David King, Canadian senior district president of Robert Half.
“However, companies should be prepared for a potential disconnect between their ideal work structures and that of their employees. As we reimagine the future of work, now is the time for managers to engage in mindful discussions with their teams to determine what they most want and need," added King. "Establishing a return-to-work plan that prioritizes employee health and well-being and fosters a strong corporate culture can help bolster retention and recruitment efforts."
As employers, you should be considering the best ways to both satisfy your people and maintain productivity. Robert Half suggests five ways to do this:
- Freedom to set preferred office hours
- Employer-paid commuting costs
- A personal, distraction-free workspace
- Relaxed dress code
- Employer-provided childcare
Would you quit if you were forced back into the office? Tell us in the comments
