A new study from global staffing firm Robert Half reveals that around 33% of professionals would look for a new job if they were required to return to the office full-time.
Over half of employees also said they would prefer a hybrid model that allows them to work in the office and remotely throughout the week.
In fact, many workers expressed issues with working from home full-time, including poor relationships with colleagues, decreased career progression opportunities and more.
However, employees are still hesitant to return to the office, so employers need to make adjustments to make the transition less anxiety-inducing.
For instance, workers said the best way employers can support them in their return to the office is to offer them the freedom to choose their work schedule, offer paid commuting costs, a distraction-free workplace, relaxed dress codes and childcare services.
“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,” said 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.”