Many Workers Have Quit or Plan to After Employers Revoke Remote Work

The pandemic continues to inject uncertainty into the job market. However, one thing that is not uncertain is how much workers have come to value remote jobs and flexible work options. A recent FlexJobs survey asked job seekers how they feel about remote work, their employer’s response during the pandemic, and workers’ job search plans.

The results indicate that job seekers want more flexible and remote options from their employers. But even more telling: not only are job seekers targeting employers that offer these options, current employees are willing to leave jobs that don’t.

 The Survey

Between July and August 2021, FlexJobs surveyed 4,612 people about their job-seeking plans, what they want most from a job, and how they feel about their companies.

It is clear the pandemic has brought remote work to the forefront of job seekers’ “must-have” list, and they’re committed to finding companies that choose remote work for the long term.

4 Programs to Help Professionals with Re-entering the Workforce Remote Work Is Essential

When asked what kind of work arrangement respondents would prefer post-pandemic, 58% said they want a fully remote job, while 39% prefer a hybrid arrangement. Only 3% want to return to fully in-person work.

However, 42% of respondents say that their employer is requiring them to eventually return to full-time, in-person work, while 27% can switch to a hybrid schedule. Only 17% of respondents said their employer will allow them to continue working remotely full-time, and 14% are unsure of their employer’s future plans.

The survey also found that remote work matters to employees. Not only are they searching for remote jobs, but they are also willing to make certain sacrifices to have it.

  • 44% know at least one person that has already quit or is planning to quit their job due to in-person work requirements
  • 29% are currently searching for a new job that allows remote work
  • 17% would quit their job if it did not offer some remote work options
  • 21% would give up some vacation time in order to work remotely
  • 24% will take a pay cut of 10% to 20% to work remotely as much as they want

virtual jobs hiring Why Workers Want Remote Options

For most respondents, remote work isn’t about controlling the thermostat or blasting music without headphones. A stunning 81% of respondents report that the number one reason they want a flexible job is to have better work-life balance. And 70% also say that working remotely would help improve their mental health.

Other reasons people want a flexible or remote job include:

  • Reducing commute stress (50%)
  • Having more time for family (47%)
  • Reducing their exposure to illnesses (like colds and the flu) (43%)

 Company Culture Is a Factor

These days, job seekers learn more about a company’s culture before applying for an open position. And the information they find influences whether or not they apply to and stick around at a company. Over half (57%) said that a lack of healthy work-life boundaries would influence them not to apply, not to accept, or even quit a job.

Even more important than work-life balance, though, is not working for a company with a toxic culture. A whopping 73% said that a toxic culture would cause them not to apply, not to accept, or quit a job. Other reasons include:

  • Low salary (79%)
  • A micromanaging boss (58%)
  • Not allowing remote work (55%)
  • Lack of flexible work options (50%)

Though the pandemic may have created new culture problems, it may have also brought to light existing problems. In either case, many respondents cited problems with the way their employer handled things during the pandemic for dissatisfaction with their current company:

  • Poor communication by leadership (30%)
  • Not understanding work-life stress and conflict during mandatory lockdowns (22%)
  • Unrealistic expectations about productivity (22%)
  • Poor overall management (22%)
  • Not offering mental health support (18%)
  • Being too rigid with schedules (17%)

More Than Half of Stay-at-Home Parents Stop Working Longer Than Planned Quitting Your Job

Whether you’re quitting your job on good terms or exiting a toxic workplace, quitting gracefully will help you maintain your working relationships and ensure you exit as the professional you are. Here are some quick tips to help you quit your job the right way.

  1. Give notice: Two weeks is standard, but give more if you can.
  2. Skip the email: The “I’m quitting” conversation can be awkward, but the professional way to resign is in person (face-to-face, video, or phone call).
  3. Tell your boss first: Then, you can tell your coworkers and HR (if necessary).
  4. Lend a helping hand: Offer to train your replacement (or the team) before you leave.
  5. Tie up loose ends: After you finish all the work you can, create a document with the important passwords, due dates, contacts, and whatever else anyone will need to take over your workload.
  6. Don’t gloat: No matter why you’re leaving or how spectacular your new job is, don’t brag about getting out or the new job.
  7. Attend the exit interview: This is your chance to settle all the final details (returning office equipment, finding out about your last paycheck, etc.).
  8. Accentuate the positive: Emphasize all the company has done for you and how you’ve grown professionally.
  9. Avoid negativity: The exit interview is also your chance to provide feedback to HR on why you’re leaving, but don’t use it to blast everyone and everything you dislike about the company.
  10. Say goodbye: Writing a thoughtful email to your manager and colleagues lets you say goodbye and control the message (whatever it is) as you make a professional exit.

After Family Medical Issues, Remote Job Makes for a Great FitThe New Way to Work

At FlexJobs, we’ve always known how desirable remote and flexible jobs are. And now, the pandemic has shown how crucial they are to keep businesses functioning during a crisis and how they keep employees engaged with their job and loyal to the company.

Our extensive database of legitimate, remote and flexible jobs is updated with new jobs across 50 career categories every day. Members get full access, along with discounted career coaching rates, exclusive webinars, and so much more. Take the tour and learn how a FlexJobs membership can help you connect with the remote job of your dreams.

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