The survey, one of the largest global surveys of its kind, canvassed the views of more than 16,000 employees across 16 countries and multiple industries and job roles, and explores employee attitudes and experiences to work throughout the pandemic and into the “next normal”.
On average, employees would want to work between two and three days remotely after the pandemic, the survey found.
When pandemic restrictions ease in their countries, 22% would prefer to work full time in the office, with 33% of employee respondents saying they want a shorter working week altogether.
Two-thirds believe their productivity can be accurately measured irrespective of location and that it’s not an impediment to flexibility.
“Offering a work schedule in a hybrid environment is necessary and indisputable from now on. The real questions refer to what this should look like in practice, in order to meet the expectations of the target population of employees, while meeting the organization’s requirements,” said Claudia Sofianu, EY CESA People Advisory Leader .
More than half (54%) of employees surveyed from around the world would consider leaving their job post-pandemic if they are not afforded some form of flexibility in where and when they work
The job roles most likely to move jobs if not given the desired flexibility include managers and leaders, those with technology or finance roles, and caregivers. Those most likely to stay in their current roles include baby boomers, individuals with more than 10 years of tenure at the current workplace, and those in government or education roles.
Despite the apparent willingness to move jobs for more flexible working arrangements, most employee respondents (76%) say they are satisfied with their jobs, and almost all (93%) say they plan to stay in their current roles for the following 12 months.
The survey also canvassed attitudes towards the impact of remote working in the organizational culture. Almost half (48%) say their organizational culture has improved during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, while only 31% believe it has worsened.