A new poll indicates that nearly half of UK professionals would consider resigning if required to return to the office full-time. The research, conducted by recruitment firm Hays, captures mounting tensions as businesses reassess post-pandemic working patterns.
The findings come amid growing scrutiny of return-to-office policies, with major firms such as Amazon and PwC recently encouraging greater in-office presence. The results suggest any blanket mandates could trigger significant resistance—and even staff departures—particularly among female employees.
Hybrid Working Now Preferred by Majority of Workforce
According to the Hays poll of more than 8,000 professionals and organisations across the UK, 77% of respondents are currently engaged in hybrid work, typically dividing their time between home and office. Among employers surveyed, 25% reported that three days in the office per week had become the most common hybrid pattern.
The appetite for flexible arrangements remains strong. The study found that 48% of professionals would consider quitting if asked to return to the office full time, with the figure rising to 58% among women compared to 42% of men. Only 8% of employers indicated they had concrete plans to mandate a full return to the workplace within the next six months.
In contrast, a notable 22% of companies still allow staff to choose how many days they work remotely, although this figure has dipped slightly from 26% six months earlier. A fifth of organisations have recently requested more frequent in-office attendance, suggesting a shift in management expectations that may not align with employee preferences.
Commuting Costs and Productivity Perceptions Influence Decisions
Cost is a significant driver behind resistance to full-time office returns. According to the poll, 73% of professionals cited the cost of commuting as a major factor in deciding how often they are willing to travel into work.
For 88%, commuting expenses would increase under a full-time model, with women more likely to say it would affect their overall finances (59%) compared to men (41%).
Productivity concerns are also shaping the debate. While 52% of employers said productivity was the same for remote and in-office workers, 19% believed remote workers were more productive, and only 13% considered them less productive. These perceptions challenge assumptions that office presence is essential for performance.
Pam Lindsay-Dunn, Chief Operating Officer of Hays UK and Ireland, cautioned that employers “risk losing top talent” if they enforce rigid policies. She urged leaders to consider the broader implications of such decisions, including employee well-being, work-life balance, and operational efficiency.
