FlexJobs, a leading site for remote and hybrid work since 2007, has announced its State of the Workforce Report. The survey, which polls over 3,000 U.S. professionals on their perspectives, work preferences, and career decisions in the current job landscape, finds that most people (67%) plan to change jobs in the next six months.
Those surveyed indicate that the top three factors that would prevent them from leaving their jobs include a pay raise (38%), the ability to work remotely (34%), and an improved workplace culture (33%).
“Changing careers can have a profound impact on all aspects of life,” says Keith Spencer, career expert at FlexJobs. “It’s critical that those considering a change start with strategic planning, research, and an organized job search plan before making a decision. This preparation can help workers make more informed decisions and navigate the ups and downs of career transitions.”
In addition to better pay, remote work options, and company culture, other factors that respondents cite as ways their company could prevent them from leaving a job range from improved communication and leadership changes to flexible schedules and four-day workweeks.
Top factors include:
- pay raises (38%);
- remote work (34%);
- improved workplace culture (33%);
- improved communication and transparency (31%);
- flexible schedules (28%);
- healthier work-life balance (27%);
- management changes (27%);
- more opportunities for promotions (26%);
- four-day workweek (21%); and
- training for career advancement (20%).
Nearly one in four (23%) of respondents say that their employer instituted a return-to-office mandate in the past year, underscoring that forced in-office work arrangements can be a significant pain point for many workers. In addition to 35% of people who say they know someone who has quit or is planning to quit because their employer is requiring them to return to the office, 57% say they would look for a new job if they were not allowed to continue working remotely in their current position.
In exchange for the option to work remotely, 58% say they would accept a salary decrease, with 31% willing to take a pay cut of up to 5% and 18% saying they would accept an even higher pay cut of 10%.
