As many companies continue in their efforts to bring the workforce back in the office full time, new research notes the ongoing resistance among UK workers to return to office (RTO) mandates.
Commissioned by iGaming marketing firm ClickOut Media, the survey of 2,000 UK employees found that over 30 percent would consider rejecting a job if it required more than three days in the office per week.
The findings come amid a wide push from employers to bring workers back to the office, with companies such as Amazon and JPMorgan Chase ending hybrid work arrangements and requiring employees to return to full-time office work. Earlier this yes, former Marks & Spencer and Asda boss Lord Rose criticised remote work, calling it part of the UK’s “general decline”.
However, many employees remain reluctant to return to office full time. A recent survey by CV writing service TopCV found that one in six employees would quit their job if forced to return to the office full-time
A third of those surveyed by ClickOut Media expressed concern that their employer would increase the number of mandatory office days. Over 30 percent preferred four or five days of working from home each week, with key motivations including reduced commuting time and costs, fewer workplace interruptions and greater flexibility to manage personal tasks.
Remote work, return to office mandates and talent retention
Studies have shown that employees who can work remotely report higher job satisfaction, better mental health and increased productivity. However, some employers remain concerned about collaboration, company culture and performance management in remote settings.
With so many in the workforce unwilling to abandon a remote or hybrid working model, there are concerns that companies pushing for return to office (RTO) mandates might lose talent. ClickOut Media, which operates a fully remote working model, says it has found this approach beneficial for attracting and retaining top talent.
Neil Roarty, Gambling Head Analyst at ClickOut Media, said that flexible, remote work is now a core expectation rather than a perk.
“Businesses that cling to outdated, rigid office policies are not only risking talent acquisition, but they’re also fundamentally misreading the modern workforce,” he said. “At ClickOut Media, we’ve always believed in empowering our team with the freedom to work from anywhere, and these findings only reinforce that commitment.”
As the debate over remote and in-office work continues, businesses must weigh the benefits of flexibility against operational needs. While some organisations see office attendance as key to productivity and collaboration, many employees now expect hybrid or fully remote options as standard – and believe that those who fail to adapt may struggle to attract and retain top talent in their field.
Alessandra Pacelli is a journalist and author contributing to HRreview, where she covers topics including labour market trends, employment costs, and workplace issues.
- Alessandra Pacelli
- Alessandra Pacelli
- Alessandra Pacelli
- Alessandra Pacelli
