No Flexible Work Options? European Job Seekers Say “No, Thanks”

Flexibility has become non-negotiable for a large portion of the European workforce. 

Survey data shows that 42% of European job seekers would reject a job offer if it did not include hybrid or remote work options. 

The demand is even more pronounced in Ireland — where 47% of job seekers would reportedly refuse a job if no hybrid or remote work options were offered. The global average is 29%. 

The report also showed other priorities that could help employers adapt their work environments to attract and retain top talent.  

In Ireland, nearly 18% of jobseekers would “refuse a job offer from an employer that didn’t have environmental or sustainability initiatives in place,” and 30% would decline an offer if the employer did not offer mental health or well-being benefits.  

Tech.Co reports that 40% of global respondents would decline an offer if there were no mental health or well-being benefits in place. 

The study, which surveyed over 150,000 respondents spanning 188 countries, reveals that job security has now eclipsed good relationships as the most important factor for employees globally. This priority is followed closely by a desire for good work-life balance and adequate financial compensation.  

The data confirms job seekers in 2024 are demanding flexible options, despite large employers like Walmart moving away from fully-remote work. It also shows how a high percentage of employees globally are looking for corporate policies that align with their own preferences towards both the environment and mental health.  

These preferences will influence corporate attraction and retention efforts, and employers must now navigate these factors to build a sustainable and attractive work culture to attract top talent.