FlexJobs, the work-from-home jobs site specializing in flexible, hybrid, and remote jobs, has announced the 2025 State of the Workforce Report. The survey, which polls over 3,000 U.S. professionals on their work experiences and career choices, finds more than two-thirds (76%) of workers would look for a new job if they were not allowed to keep working remotely. Additionally, 27% reporting knowing someone who has quit or is planning to quit because their employer implemented an RTO mandate.
“Low quit rates and trends like ‘job hugging’ may suggest a workforce that’s staying put, but that doesn’t mean workers aren’t quietly considering a job change,” says Toni Frana, career expert manager at FlexJobs. “As our latest report shows, it comes down to what workers are willing to accept before deciding to job hop, and most are drawing the line at remote work.”
Remote work remains the leading working style for over half of surveyed professionals (58%), while 40% prefer hybrid workplaces with time split between the office and home. Only two percent said they want to be in the office full-time.
Respondents rank salary (77%) and remote work (70%) as the top two factors that matter most in a job. Other responses include:
- work-life balance (66%);
- having a good boss (64%);
- flexible schedule (63%);
- health insurance (48%);
- amount of paid vacation and sick time (44%); and
- career advancement opportunities (37%).
Similarly, when asked what would make them apply for a job, 85% of respondents listed remote work as the number one factor, which was ahead of having a competitive salary and benefits package (72%). Other factors cited include:
- work-life balance (65%);
- meeting all or most of the job requirements (61%);
- strong job stability and long-term potential (58%);
- healthy, inclusive company culture and aligned values (54%); and
- opportunities for career growth and development (43%).
According to the survey, 53% of respondents said they or someone they know were required to return to the office in the last year. The trend highlights a sharp increase from 2024, when only 23% of respondents reported that their employer had issued an RTO mandate.
Notably, the report shows that 69% of respondents would accept a salary cut to work remotely—up 11% over 2024. The findings underscore the workforce’s demand for remote and hybrid job options, with 31% stating they would be willing to take a pay cut of up to 5%. Almost a quarter (24%) would accept a pay cut of up to 10%, and 14% say they would accept a pay decrease of 20%.
