More than two-fifths (44%) of employees are prepared to reject roles that do not offer flexible hours, up from 39% in 2024, according to research by meeting technology firm Owl Labs.
Its annual State of hybrid work report ,which s based on a survey of 2,000 full-time UK employees, also found that 86% of respondents demand flexible hours in the form of a four-day week, and 93% would take action if they were no longer allowed to work remotely or hybrid.
Three-quarters (73%) see the four-day week as important, with 77% of Millennials, 72% of Gen Z and 38% of Boomers agreeing. UK employees would give up an average of 8% of their salary for a four-day work week, with 45% saying they would give up 10% or more.
Despite a rise in return-to-office mandates, UK hybrid workers said they attend the office three (41%) or four (27%) days a week.
Nearly half (45%) are concerned about being forced to be in the office full-time, a rise from 42% in 2024. Yet, 67% said their employer has not changed its policy in the last year, rising to 81% among fully remote workers, 64% for hybrid and 68% for full-time office workers.
Only 15% would prefer to be in the office full-time, while 74% favour a hybrid approach. Two-fifths (39%) would not join an employer that restricts their choice of working location, while 84% overall, and 88% in large organisations, said working in a range of locations is a key factor in job satisfaction.
Four-fifths (79%) see return-to-office policies decisions as reinforcing culture and cohesion, along with 82% of full-time office workers, 77% of hybrid workers and 55% of full-time remote workers
Frank Weishaupt, chief executive officer at Owl Labs, said: “Our data demonstrates that hybrid working is no longer just about when and where we work. The expectation isn’t that everyone should access the same level of flexibility either; 68% believe that employers should provide more flexibility for those that need it most, like working parents. When employers champion this approach, they often see a productivity boost as employees feel more engaged with their work, invested in the organisation’s success, and are, therefore, motivated to deliver better results.”
