Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.
The FlexJobs 2025 State of the Workforce Report is here, and it highlights a sharp rise in employers calling people back on-site, along with an equally sharp rise in return-to-office (RTO) pushback from employees.
Based on a survey of more than 3,000 U.S. professionals conducted in August 2025, the findings show that workers are increasingly unwilling to compromise on remote and hybrid flexibility.
Read on as we cover the insights from the report and share tips for handling return-to-office mandates.
Survey Reveals Massive Employee Resistance to Office Returns
The majority of professionals draw a hard line at office mandates. Many would rather quit than return to the office:
- 76% of workers say they would look for a new job if remote work were eliminated.
- 27% reported knowing someone who has quit or is planning to quit because of RTO requirements.
- 53% say they or someone they know was required to return to the office in the past year, a dramatic jump from 23% in 2024.
Reflecting on this return-to-office resistance, Toni Frana, a Career Expert at FlexJobs, shared:
“Low quit rates and trends like ‘job hugging’ may suggest a workforce that is staying put, but that does not mean workers are not quietly considering a job change.
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.”
Workers Willing to Take Pay Cuts Rather Than Return to Office
Not only are employees resistant to mandates, but many are willing to make financial sacrifices to preserve flexibility.
The survey found 69% of workers would accept a pay cut for remote work, an 11% increase from 2024. Of that 69%:
- 31% would accept up to a 5% cut.
- 24% would accept up to a 10% cut.
- 9% would take a cut of up to 20%.
- 5% would go beyond a 20% cut.
Remote Work and Salary Rank as Top Job Priorities
Beyond pay cuts, the report shows remote work continues to play a defining role in career decisions.
Worker preferences are clear:
- 58% want to work fully remotely.
- 40% prefer hybrid workplaces.
- Only 2% prefer to be in the office full-time.
When ranking job priorities, salary (77%) and remote work (70%) topped the list, followed by:
- Work-life balance (66%)
- Having a good boss (64%)
- Flexible schedule (63%)
- Health insurance (48%)
- Paid vacation and sick time (44%)
- Career advancement opportunities (37%)
Remote Options Drive Job Applications
The appeal of remote work is especially clear when professionals evaluate new opportunities.
A striking 85% of respondents said remote work is the top factor motivating them to apply for a job, ranking ahead of:
- Competitive salary and benefits package (72%)
- Work-life balance (65%)
- Meeting job requirements (61%)
- Job stability and long-term potential (58%)
- Healthy, inclusive company culture and aligned values (54%)
- Opportunities for career growth and development (43%)
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