According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, nearly half (46%) of U.S. workers who can perform their job from home say they would be unlikely to remain with their employer if required to return to the office full time. The findings suggest rising tensions between employees and companies as more firms introduce mandatory in-office days. Among respondents, 26% said they would be very unlikely to stay if remote work were no longer permitted.
The shift toward office mandates coincides with signals from President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration that similar requirements may soon apply to federal employees. Pew’s survey, conducted among employed adults whose roles can be performed remotely, underscores a growing reluctance among workers to relinquish the flexibility gained during the pandemic.
The survey also revealed key demographic differences. Women (49%) were more likely than men (43%) to say they’d consider leaving their job if forced back to the office. Younger workers under 50 (50%) were significantly more likely than older workers over 50 (35%) to express the same sentiment. Notably, 61% of those working entirely remotely said they would be unlikely to stay, compared with 47% of hybrid workers and 28% of those working from home only occasionally.
Job satisfaction also plays a role in these attitudes. Over half (52%) of workers who reported being only somewhat or not at all satisfied with their job said they would consider quitting if remote work were no longer allowed, compared to 41% of those who were very or extremely satisfied.
Rising in-person work requirements
The report also highlighted an increase in employer-imposed in-office mandates. Among those not working remotely full time, 75% reported being required to attend the office on certain days, up from 63% in early 2023.
Despite resistance to full-time office returns, most hybrid workers appear content with their current arrangements. Among them, only 24% said they would choose to work remotely full time if given the option, while 72% preferred a hybrid setup. Even among those who rarely or never work from home, 63% indicated a preference for working remotely most or some of the time.