Fewer people demanding remote working

A new survey shows that remote working is less expected by job seekers as many say it’s no longer a deciding factor when looking for a new role.

Five years on from the Covid pandemic when remote working became the new norm, it seems fewer workers are bothered about this benefit.

New data from Robert Half suggests that businesses and workers may have finally reached a compromise on the return-to-office debate. The company reported a fall in the number of professionals who believe that a lack of remote working options will negatively impact an organisation’s ability to recruit new staff (down 17 percentage points year-on-year).

The survey also found that those looking for a new role to find more flexible working arrangements fell to 23% compared to 29% in 2024.

Commenting on the findings, Matt Weston, Senior Managing Director UK & Ireland, at Robert Half, said, “The last five years have seen a step change in how and where people work, but the big focus recently has been on the return to the office, with workers and businesses at odds for some time over what a good balance looks like.

“In fact, in Q3 last year our Salary Guide revealed that more than two thirds of employers would base promotions on physical presence in the office in a bid to encourage returns. Now, though, it seems as if we have finally reached a turning point, with the number of workers who believe that a lack of remote working will impact staff attraction and retention now falling.

“Facetime with peers is hugely valuable and the sense of connectivity and collaboration that you get by being together in person is hard to replicate in a virtual setting. The development opportunities from face-to-face conversations are also invaluable, something that our research suggests both employees and employers acknowledge.

“However, it’s important to be mindful of the fact that being in the office doesn’t mean that flexibility is completely eliminated. Employee flexibility is an important factor in enhancing productivity, retention, and overall job satisfaction. And with firms facing skills shortages and a stubbornly tight labour market, adopting these practices can result in a more engaged and satisfied workforce, as well as greater organisational success.”

To find out more about contracting please contact Jaime on 01442 795 100 or email jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com.