A new survey has found that nearly a quarter (23%) of British adults would turn down their dream job if it required them to work in the office full-time.
The poll of 2,000 UK adults was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of flexible office provider Space32. It revealed that many workers now expect and value flexibility when it comes to office attendance.
The survey found women were less inclined than men to sacrifice remote working opportunities for their ideal role. 59% of women said they would accept a full-time office return for their dream job, compared to 67% of men.
Millennials were the most willing to go into the office 5 days a week if offered their perfect role, with 78% of 25-34 year olds prepared to do so. This was followed by 76% of 35-44 year olds.
In contrast, less than half (45%) of those aged 55 and over said they would take a dream job if it meant losing flexible working arrangements.
Jon Dweck, CEO of Space32, said the findings indicate that demands for full-time office returns are “fighting a losing battle”, as flexible and hybrid working options remain highly valued by today’s workforce.
He commented: “Employers must ditch this one-size-fits-all approach and acknowledge that employee attitudes have shifted. They must evolve their office policies accordingly and provide a more inclusive, flexible and accessible workplace for all.”
The survey results highlight how attitudes towards office work have changed following the rise of remote and hybrid working during the pandemic. With many now accustomed to greater flexibility, a full-time office mandate could lead to talent rejection and loss.
About the research
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2000 UK adults were polled in a survey commissioned by Space32 and conducted by Censuswide in June 2023
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Respondents were asked to specify their gender, and identify which age bracket they fell into: 18-24 / 25-34 / 35-44 / 45-54 / 55+
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Respondents were asked the following questions:
If you were offered your dream job, but it required you to be present in the office 5 days a week, would you take it?
|
Gender |
||
|
Male |
Female |
|
|
Yes, definitely |
39.23% |
38.01% |
|
Yes, potentially |
27.43% |
20.79% |
|
No, probably not |
11.59% |
9.96% |
|
No, definitely not |
11.08% |
14.22% |
|
Unsure, N/A |
10.66% |
17.02% |
|
Age |
|||||
|
18-24 |
25-34 |
35-44 |
45-54 |
55+ |
|
|
Yes, definitely |
41.9% |
46.76% |
45.43% |
43.5% |
29.33% |
|
Yes, potentially |
29.52% |
31.76% |
30.79% |
24.77% |
16.06% |
|
No, probably not |
16.19% |
12.06% |
10.37% |
12.08% |
8.34% |
|
No, definitely not |
5.71% |
3.82% |
6.71% |
7.85% |
22.88% |
|
Unsure, N/A |
6.67% |
5.59% |
6.71% |
11.78% |
23.39% |
If you knew for certain that going to the office more than you currently do would help your career progression, would you be willing to go in more often?
|
Gender |
||
|
Male |
Female |
|
|
Yes, definitely |
29.71% |
27.66% |
|
Yes, potentially |
31.16% |
23.21% |
|
No, probably not |
14.39% |
12.19% |
|
No, definitely not |
8.8% |
11.61% |
|
Unsure, N/A |
15.94% |
25.34% |
|
Age |
|||||
|
18-24 |
25-34 |
35-44 |
45-54 |
55+ |
|
|
Yes, definitely |
33.81% |
38.53% |
37.2% |
29.31% |
19.22% |
|
Yes, potentially |
34.76% |
41.18% |
31.71% |
30.82% |
15.42% |
|
No, probably not |
15.71% |
10.59% |
14.02% |
17.22% |
11.76% |
|
No, definitely not |
5.71% |
2.94% |
7.32% |
5.44% |
17.83% |
|
Unsure, N/A |
10.00% |
6.76% |
9.76% |
17.22% |
35.78% |
