A new survey from Robert Half finds that the majority of U.S. senior managers will require their teams to be in the office full-time once the pandemic subsides.
The survey of over 2,800 senior managers revealed that only 16% would allow employees to work with a hybrid schedule and 12% would give employees total freedom to choose where and when they work.
However, 49% of employees stated that they prefer hybrid arrangements, and 34% who are working remotely said they would look for a new job if they were required to return to the office full-time. In short, this could spell trouble for the leaders who are instilling this type of mandate.
Although the survey reveals that most employers want their staff in the office, this seems to vary depending on the region and industry. For instance, 45% of managers in Boston were more likely to favor flexibility, while 30% of large companies with over 1,000 employees were likely to incorporate flexible policies.
“When it comes to hybrid work, there’s a disconnect between what managers prefer and what employees expect,” said Paul McDonald, senior executive director at Robert Half. “But in this talent-driven market, especially, companies need to prioritize their people and look to the future. Providing flexibility is a low-cost way to create a positive employee experience and inclusive workplace culture.”
