Most U.S. workers still want remote jobs, and very few are interested in going back to the office full-time. That’s the clearest signal from a new survey by FlexJobs, based on responses from more than 4,000 workers.
The data shows a workforce that hasn’t moved on from remote work…and isn’t planning to.
Remote Remains the Default, Not the Perk
More than half of workers (58%) say fully remote work is their ideal setup, while just 4% prefer being in the office full-time. Hybrid work still has traction, but it trails far behind fully remote preferences.
At the same time, nearly one-third of respondents say nothing would convince them to return to the office full-time, which is a stark signal for employers continuing to push return-to-office policies.
RTO Mandates Haven’t Fully Landed
Despite ongoing headlines around stricter office policies, most workers say their day-to-day reality hasn’t changed. Over three-quarters report no increase in in-office requirements from their employer.
Where changes are happening, communication is uneven. About one-quarter of workers say their company is moving toward more office time, but not all of them have been given clear plans.
What Would Actually Bring People Back
When asked what might convince them to return full-time, workers pointed to one standout incentive: a four-day workweek. Beyond that, traditional perks like raises or extra benefits had far less pull.
- 30% say a four-day workweek would bring them back
- 30% say nothing would
- 18% say a 15% raise
- 12% say unlimited PTO
The takeaway is clear: schedule flexibility matters more than perks.
Productivity and Mental Health Tilt Remote
A majority of workers say they are more productive working from home, while many others report no drop in performance.
Mental health follows a similar pattern. Fully remote work ranks as the best setup for well-being, with most workers favoring fully or mostly remote arrangements over office-heavy schedules.
Workers Want Flexibility—But Not Regulation
While workers strongly favor remote options, they don’t necessarily want governments setting the rules. Most respondents say companies should decide their own remote work policies, with only a small minority supporting formal regulation.
In summary, the gap between employer mandates and employee preferences remains wide. Remote work continues to be viewed as a baseline expectation—tied not just to convenience, but to productivity and well-being.
