Surprising no one but the mgmt teams…
Unispace found that nearly half (42%) of companies with return-to-office mandates witnessed a higher level of employee attrition than they had anticipated. And almost a third (29%) of companies enforcing office returns are struggling with recruitment. In other words, employers knew the mandates would cause some attrition, but they weren’t ready for the serious problems that would result.
Meanwhile, a staggering 76% of employees stand ready to jump ship if their companies decide to pull the plug on flexible work schedules, according to the Greenhouse report. Moreover, employees from historically underrepresented groups are 22% more likely to consider other options if flexibility comes to an end.
In the SHED survey, the gravity of this situation becomes more evident. The survey equates the displeasure of shifting from a flexible work model to a traditional one to that of experiencing a 2% to 3% pay cut.
That’s fine if your job actually is 100% remote.
My job is 100% remote because I won’t accept anything else. I always ask recruiters if 100% flexibility will be written into my contract. If it won’t I withdraw my name from consideration.
I’m assuming you have a set of niche skills not readily available on the market place that must make that easier to enforce?
Pretty much every programming job can be easily done 100% remotely. You don’t need niche skills for that.
programming is a niche skill; that’s why it pays so well.
I don’t mean to be contrary, but is it fair to call programming niche when there are degree programs and tech programs (bootcamps) that are widely available? Plus, in some cases, you don’t need a degree or certificates, just a portfolio.
Boot camps and training programs are popular, but the bar to professionally practicing programming is artificially high and it will remain a nich so long as that bar remains artificially high.
… I mean… I went to a four year university and got a Batchelors. Now I work as a software engineer. How’s that different from any other career path involving a 4 year degree?
If the skills aren’t niche and many people have it, it is easier for an employer to stipulate office work and ignore a candidate demanding remote work.
That’s like saying “being a lifeguard is only okay if you work near a body of water or a pool.” It goes without saying.
So, no need to state the mind-numbingly obvious?
Lots of people in the industries I’m in are still trapped in offices or have been forced to return in some capacity.
Lots of jobs can’t be done remotely, and I make it a priority to learn enough to avoid them.