Go Back to the Office Or Quit? 64% Of Workers Say They’ll Quit

For the first time in nearly two years, many employees will now go back to the office. However, a surprising number of workers aren’t warming to the idea of resuming their commute to work as well as returning to an office desk. In fact, a great majority of workers are considering quitting instead of doing so.

RELATED: MIT Prof: Good Luck Getting WFH Employees Back to the Office

It’s Back To The Office For the Majority of Workers

Office security firm Katie reported that office space in the United States’ 10 largest cities is currently 40% occupied. This represents a 15% increase from 2021.

Even companies that implemented hybrid schedules, such as Apple and Google, are now asking workers to go back to the office.  

However, these companies that insist that workers return to their desks might be in for a surprise. According to the ADP Research Institute, back to the office mandates can drive younger workers to quit.  

64% Of Workers Will Quit If Asked To Go Back to the Office Full Time

ADP issued a report earlier this week entitled “People at Work 2022: A Global Workforce View”. 

The study involved about 32,000 workers in November 2021 from the US, India, the Netherlands, and other countries. The survey reported that 64% of workers will quit if asked to go back to the office full time. 

Those who haven’t put in their notice yet will consider resigning if their boss wants them back at their desks on a full-time basis. 

Nela Richardson, ADP’s chief economist at ADP and co-author of the report, noted that the nature of the workplace changed.

“Even a few years ago, the thought of working in a hybrid arrangement was – excuse the pun – remote,’ she said. Richardson noted that “hybrid work and the desire for flexibility after two years of working from home is not going away. In fact, it’s growing in momentum.”.  

Flexibility Focused On When and How Not Where

In addition, Richardson explained that when workers want flexibility, it’s not entirely about staying home and working there. Workers are more interested in answers about when and how job flexibility can happen.

Some workers definitely have problems getting the job done at home or in front of friends. “Not everyone wants to stare at dirty dishes while they’re trying to focus,” Richardson said. “But people have gotten used to having more autonomy over their work the past two years.” 

In particular, workers liked the freedom to continue with their daily lives even when working a full-time 5 job.

They like the idea of picking up kids or seeing the doctor without filing for time off. Among office employees, the resistance to going back to the office full time comes from younger workers.

71% of 18-t24-year-old workers said they will consider looking for a new job when ordered back to their desks. In contrast, only 61% of 35 to 44 years old workers and 55% of 45-54-year-olds feel the same way. 

Remote Work is More Natural for Younger Workers

In addition, Richardson explained that remote work fits the persona of the typical young employee. It feels less intimidating for younger workers because they’re comfortable with the technology. 

This is why experts recommend companies and employers revisit their strategies to attract young workers. Forget the catered food and the video game consoles.

Managers need to help create an engaging environment that allows workers to bond with one another. “There’s a new need for companies to evolve because of this tight labor market.

Employees need to feel like they’re personally benefiting from waking up earlier and commuting to the office,” Richardson added. If it doesn’t seem worth it, “they’ll leave.” 

Watch the Yahoo Finance news video reporting on The Return to Office: Millions of employees aren’t going back to work in person:

What kind of work environment do you prefer?

Please Select One:

• I want to go back to the office full time. The work is there and it remains the best environment to make money.
• I prefer a full-time remote job. Unless the boss tells me I can’t do my job right, remote work is the way for me. I’d rather use the commute time for something more worthwhile.
• A hybrid setup is a way for me. Part-time office, part-time work from home.
• I operate my own business. I set my own rules for work.

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What do you think of workers who would rather quit than go back to the office full time? Will employers eventually give way and return to remote work even without a health crisis present?

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