Strict office attendance policies may drive employees to seek alternative jobs, according to a recent survey by the International Workplace Group (IWG). The study showed that two-thirds (67%) of recruiters had observed a rise in candidates looking to leave employers with full-time, in-office mandates. Moreover, 75% of recruiters reported job candidates rejecting roles that don’t provide hybrid work options.
The report revealed that nearly half (46%) actively search for roles that eliminate lengthy commutes. In comparison, 63% believe their current employers risk losing top talent by insisting on five-day office attendance.
“Flexible working offers benefits to businesses far beyond employee retention. The hybrid model is proven to boost workforce productivity and job satisfaction while also cutting costs significantly,” said Mark Dixon, CEO and founder of IWG.
High commuting costs (44%) and excessive travel time (40%) emerged as the most significant factors fuelling resistance to in-office policies. Many employees also expressed concerns about work-life balance, with 20% citing daily burnout as a direct result of long commutes.
The report also shows that employers could alleviate these challenges by providing workspaces closer to employees’ homes. Over three-quarters (77%) of workers would be more inclined to join a company providing nearby office locations, and employees are four times more likely to choose roles with convenient office access.
As employees increasingly prioritise flexibility and well-being, businesses resistant to hybrid models risk losing competitive talent. Adopting flexible work policies could improve retention and align with evolving workplace expectations.