Research from CV Genius finds flexibility is a top priority for workers, who feel less stressed and burnt out when able to work hybrid or remote.
By Maggie Mancini
Two-thirds (67%) of U.K. employees have either changed jobs, moved to more affordable areas, or relocated to different cities to manage rising living costs, according to research from CV Genius. Younger generations are the most affected, with 80% of Gen Z and 76% of millennials making such changes, compared to just 64% of Gen X and 38% of baby boomers.
More than a third (35%) of workers have changed jobs or are actively seeking higher-paying roles within their current city to manage costs. Additionally, 21% have moved or are considering relocating further from their workplace to afford living expenses.
“This year’s survey shows just how much the cost-of-living crisis is affecting people’s lives. It’s not just a financial issue anymore. It’s spilling over into careers, where people live, and even their mental health,” says Samuel Johns, recruiting manager at CV Genius. “Workers are making big changes, like moving to more affordable areas or choosing flexibility over career progression, to cope with the pressures they’re facing.”
According to the survey, two-thirds of employees (66%) would quit their jobs if forced back into the office full-time. The survey also reveals that flexibility is a top priority for workers, with 53% willing to trade career progression for remote work and 51% prepared to accept lower pay for unlimited flexibility.
Most (87%) employees report experiencing stress or burnout at work, with 50% saying long hours and heavy workloads are the leading cause of their stress. Additionally, 87% believe remote work improves work-life balance and 75% feel less stressed working remotely than in the office.
On average, workers want three days remote and two days at the office. Two in three workers (63%) in remote-friendly professions prefer hybrid policies, with one to four remote days per week.
When asked which workplace benefits would most improve productivity, employees say they want:
- flexible working hours (61%);
- remote or hybrid work (50%);
- a four-day workweek (43%);
- part-time or reduced hours (18%); and
- job sharing (9%).
“Employees overwhelmingly pointed to flexibility as a solution, with two-thirds of workers saying they would quit their jobs if forced back into the office full-time, and many noting that remote and hybrid work options help them better manage their time and reduce stress,” Johns says. “This preference raises important questions about the future of workplace policies, especially as return-to-office mandates conflict with the financial pressures and burnout many workers are facing. With employees clearly prioritising flexibility to navigate these challenges, 2025 could be a pivotal year for rethinking how workplaces operate to better align with employees’ evolving needs and circumstances.”
