A new report from Robert Half’s 2025 Salary Guide indicates that more than a quarter of employees in the Midlands may quit their jobs over an ultimatum posed by employers to either work in the office or forgo career advancement.
According to the study, conducted with 1,000 UK employees and 500 hiring managers, 68% of business leaders in the region believe that physical presence in the office is a critical factor in deciding promotions.
The survey reveals a growing trend among employers who are linking office attendance with career progression opportunities, a shift that has prompted over a quarter (27%) of Midlands workers to consider leaving their positions if required to choose between working remotely and securing a promotion. This finding underscores a significant division between employer expectations and employee preferences in the current job market.
Skills Shortages and Employee Power
James Paget, Market Director for the Midlands & Home Counties at Robert Half, commented on the trend, pointing out that companies are facing the possibility of losing skilled talent if they push for in-office attendance at the cost of remote working flexibility. Paget noted, “While there are a growing number of businesses looking to increase in-office attendance, employers could be risking an exodus of talent and future difficulties in hiring if they are making people choose between career development and remote working.”
With persistent skills shortages, the survey highlights that the leverage remains firmly with employees. Employers in the region may need to carefully assess the potential impact of mandatory office policies on workforce retention and recruitment in a competitive talent market. The findings signal that while companies may value in-office attendance, the workforce’s preference for flexibility remains strong.
