1 In 3 Remote Workers May Quit If Required To Return To The Office Full Time, Robert Half Survey Finds

1 In 3 Remote Workers May Quit If Required To Return
To The Office Full Time, Robert Half Survey Finds

     More companies are calling workers back to the office,
but will they readily return? A new study by global staffing
firm Robert Half shows that about 1 in 3 professionals (34%)
currently working from home due to the pandemic would look
for a new job if required to be in the office full time.
What Workers Want
     Nearly half of all employees surveyed (49%) said they
prefer a hybrid work arrangement, where they can divide time
between the office and another location. Even if given the
opportunity to be fully remote, professionals expressed the
following concerns in doing so:
     1. Relationships with coworkers could suffer: 28%
     2. Decreased productivity while at home: 26%
     3. Fewer career advancement opportunities due to a lack of
visibility: 20%
     At the same time, workers may not be ready to return to the
office, and employers may want to consider what could help
ease their transition back on-site. Professionals said the top
ways their company can support them include:
     1. Freedom to set preferred office hours
     2. A personal, distraction-free workspace
     3. Employer-paid commuting costs
     4. Relaxed dress code
     5. Employer-provided childcare
“After a year of drastic change, many business leaders are
eager to restore a sense of normalcy and welcome staff back to
the office,” said Paul McDonald, senior executive director at
Robert Half. “But reopening doors will bring new obstacles for
companies to navigate. Not all employees will be ready — or
willing — to return to the workplace, so staying flexible and
responsive to their needs will be critical.”
     McDonald added, “Regardless of timing, companies
should take a measured and carefully planned office re-entry
approach and keep employees’ health and safety top of mind.
Leaders should also use the opportunity to solicit staff feedback
to shape corporate culture for the future.”
     For tips on managing change as staff return to the office,
visit the Robert Half blog.

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