A majority, 79%, feel a remote work option is a necessity in today’s workforce, according to a survey by CareerBuilder.
The survey also found that 69% of US employed adults feel positively about remote work, and 61% affirm they work better remotely compared to working in their company’s physical workplace.
When evaluating job opportunities, 77% of employed job seekers place at least some importance on the option for remote work with 21% saying it’s absolutely essential when determining if a role is right for them. Most employed adults prioritize remote work over other incentives, including the potential for advancement, 34%; job security, 33%; and a better company culture fit, 24%.
“This data shows that job seekers and employees are seeing the value in a changing work environment, and this type of flexibility has become a priority in the scope of their current and future careers,” said Susan Arthur, CEO of CareerBuilder. “We are also seeing these sentiments translate directly on our site — employers who include a work-from-home or remote option are currently attracting seven times more applicants.”
In addition, 67% would like to work remotely at least three days per week, and 28% would prefer to work remotely at a full-time capacity. And 38% of employees and 51% of millennials say they would quit if they weren’t able to work remotely.
Of the employed, only 29% say remote work makes teamwork difficult and intimidating, 23% feel isolated and 18% feel unsupported.
The survey included 2,063 adults, including 1,061 who are employed.