Is working from home the ultimate job perk? About two in five Americans say they’re living the dream by working remotely, while less than one in 10 wish to work on-location full time. That’s according to a new poll of 2,000 employed Americans which reveals that if given the opportunity to build their dream schedule, 42 percent would opt for mostly remote work with occasional days in-office.
Respondents would also be much more likely to choose an entirely remote schedule (26%) than entirely on location (9%). In reality, the majority (39%) work remotely most of the time with occasional days in-office. Almost one quarter (24%) work entirely remotely. Only one in five people surveyed have more in-person workdays than remote.
With job flexibility being so important to many, it may be no surprise that a half of respondents believe they will leave their current job within the next year.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of DoorDash, the survey also explored how certain activities and perks bring employees together — in-person or Zoom style. Respondents do believe there are several activities that are better suited for in-person work styles. Compared to remote, things like one-on-one meetings (57% vs 30%) and sharing meals (51% vs 28%) ranked at the top for best in-office activities.
To that same tune, more respondents prefer meeting in person for social activities such as “lunch and learn” presentations (51% vs 31%) and happy hours (46% vs 32%). Respondents also feel they pay attention in meetings (59% vs 29%), connect more with their co-workers (53% vs 30%), and engage in company culture (51% vs 30%) more effectively on-location.
While most generations are closely split on whether they’re better at multitasking in-person or virtually, millennials are most likely to accomplish it remotely (43% vs 34%). Fully remote work appeals to respondents because of the ability to have a flexible work schedule (49%), spend less time commuting (47%) and having more time to spend with family and friends (47%).
Job perks can make all the difference during ‘Great Resignation’
To help keep workers happy, more companies are offering “soft perks” to employees. These include training opportunities (30%), free coffee or snacks at the office (28%) and mental health resources (27%). But when asked which they’d give up for their dream job, they’d prefer to lose minor things like summer Fridays (27%), annual holiday parties (27%) and birthday gifts or messages (27%).
Despite the perks of working from home, top motivators to return to in-person work full-time include spending more time with their coworkers (45%), having their company pay for their commute (42%) and being offered company-supplied meals (38%).