‘Forced' return to office 'making workers consider change of job,’ says report

Almost one in three workers are considering changing jobs, often because their employer is forcing them to return to the office, new research suggests.

A survey of 1,000 employees by messaging app Slack indicated that those in legal jobs, IT and telecoms, sales, and media and marketing are most likely to make a move this year.

Companies offering hybrid or remote working are less likely to be affected by resignations, with almost a third of respondents saying flexible working policies are encouraging them to stay in their current job.

One in six of those wanting to quit say it is because their employer is forcing them to go to the office or workplace when they can work remotely, and 20% feel their boss favours those who work in the office over people who work remotely, said the report.

A third of workers polled said they delayed resigning in the past year amid uncertainty over how the pandemic would affect the jobs market.

Slack urged employers to introduce new policies and practices which demonstrate that they value their staff and their needs.

Chris Mills, of Slack, said: “With the significant worker reshuffle expected to continue this year, businesses must be in tune with what workers really want.

“Our research suggests that offering flexible or remote working, extra days off and salary bonuses, will help businesses attract and retain staff.

“At Slack, we have a ‘Fri-Yay’ initiative, where on one Friday each month the entire company has the day off, which allows people to take a breath and restore themselves.