Remote work is considered the second most important element to compensation and benefits packages, ranked only behind salary, according to a new survey by job search site FlexJobs.
The survey, which polled more than 1,200 employees, found 77 per cent cited remote work options, compared to 83 per cent of respondents who cited salary. More than half (57 per cent) said if they’re not allowed to keep working remotely in their current position, they’ll look for a new job.
When asked which compensation and benefits are most important to them, employees also ranked flexible working schedules (63 per cent), health insurance (63 per cent), vacation time (62 per cent), retirement benefits (50 per cent), skills training and education options (44 per cent), special company perks (35 per cent), bonuses (34 per cent), four-day workweeks (29 per cent), equity in the company (21 per cent) and paid parental leave (18 per cent).
Read: Head to head: Should remote working continue after the pandemic?
While the majority of respondents highlighted the importance of remote work options, 36 per cent said their companies will require them to be in the office full time post-pandemic, while 28 per cent expect a hybrid workplace and 23 per cent anticipate a fully remote workplace. The remaining 11 per cent were not yet sure about their company’s plans.
“We continue to see evidence that post-pandemic workers will not only expect, but in many cases, demand the ability to work remotely at least some of the time,” said Sara Sutton, founder and chief executive officer of FlexJobs, in a press release. “Placing remote work and flexible schedule options on par with or even above key benefits, such as health insurance and vacation time, speaks very loudly about what today’s workers truly value and I hope companies are listening.”
Read: Survey shows strong support for flexible, remote working post-coronavirus