A new survey by United Culture reveals that over a quarter (27%) of hybrid and remote workers feel they’ve missed career advancement opportunities due to their flexible work arrangements. The study, which surveyed workers in the UK and US, shows that millennials and older Gen Z employees particularly feel this issue. Almost half of respondents aged 35-44 (42%) and 37% aged 25-34 expressed concerns about missed opportunities due to their remote work setups.
In addition, flexible work remains a high priority, with 57% of respondents considering leaving their employer if flexibility is reduced. For 14%, limited flexibility means exiting their position entirely.
Dr Daniel Wheatley from the University of Birmingham emphasises that remote work may limit visibility with senior leaders, leading to a perception that those in-office appear more committed, even when this isn’t the case. He also added that the lack of “water cooler” conversations reduces informal networking and insights about upcoming opportunities, which can be critical for career growth.
For certain groups, such as parents, carers, and disabled employees, remote work provides necessary support, which companies must protect. Mavis Boniface, global operations director at United Culture, urges organizations to value productivity over physical presence, noting that flexible workers deserve equal promotion and development opportunities.
Moreover, the survey shows a clear need for a cultural shift: 43% of workers value work-life balance highly, followed by flexibility (27%). Yet, one-quarter of respondents report reduced flexible options in the past year, rising to 44% among 18-24-year-olds. Dr. Wheatley underscores the importance of flexibility for retention and performance, calling it a “win-win” for employees and employers.