According to a new Workforce Monitor survey commissioned by the American Staffing Association and conducted online by The Harris Poll, 71 percent of U.S. workers prefer a hybrid or remote work schedule.
As many companies debate a return-to-office, 39 percent noted that a hybrid mix of in-person and remote work offers the “ideal” work schedule, while almost 32 percent preferred fully remote and 29 percent indicated a preference for a full return to the office.
The survey also noted cross-generational differences, with 37 percent of Baby Boomers (60-78) preferring fully remote, 26 percent of Gen Z (18-27) wanting to fully work from home, and Millennials (28-43) and Gen X (44-59) sitting at 31 percent and 33 percent, respectively.
At the same time, 46 percent of those with children under 18 preferred a hybrid schedule, compared to 35 percent of U.S. adults without kids.
Additionally, 57 percent of employees who are not fully remote say they would not be willing to forego a bonus or raise this year or take a pay cut in exchange for being able to work remotely full time.
“The question of whether employees should work fully in person, fully remote or on a hybrid schedule has been a top issue facing organizations across America since the pandemic triggered a workplace revolution four years ago,” said American Staffing Association CEO, Richard Wahlquist. “While some predicted the end of in-person work, the survey found that half of U.S. employees currently work 100 percent in person. Employees’ attitudes are changing, with 68 percent of U.S. workers now stating that they prefer a hybrid or in-person schedule.”
The same study also found that 43 percent of U.S. workers are burnt out at their current job, with 47 percent hesitant to discuss this with their boss.
The online survey was conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of ASA, January 5–9, 2024, among 2,094 adults aged 18 and older. Of them, 1,294 were employed.
