One in two office workers would look for a different job if unable to work from home: Continental survey

Just under half (47 percent) of office workers in Germany would quit their jobs if their employer completely abolished or severely restricted the option of working from home or remotely. This was the finding of a survey of more than 2,000 office workers conducted by opinion research institute YouGov on behalf of Continental.

Dr. Ariane Reinhart, Continental Executive Board member for Human Relations and Sustainability explains: “Many employees got to know and appreciate the benefits of flexible working models during the pandemic and are now no longer willing to lose them. At the same time, there are good reasons for increased office attendance. Personal interaction between employees is important for promoting creativity, efficiency, effectiveness, and cooperation, and strengthens their identification with the company.”

Almost two-thirds (62 percent) of respondents feel that spending at least half of their weekly working hours or more in the office is ideal, while just under one-fifth of those surveyed (19 percent) regard four or five days working from home or remotely as the best option. 

When it comes to working on company premises, social interaction with colleagues is the aspect respondents value most highly, cited by just under half at 47 percent. Around one-fifth believe it is easier to keep their work and private lives separate at the office, while just under one-fifth specify efficient teamwork or faster and better results as the greatest advantage of working on-site.

When it comes to working from home or remotely, 39 percent of respondents value above all the time they gain through not having to commute. More than one-third (37 percent) see an improved work-life balance and flexibility as the greatest benefit, while 17 percent say the main advantage is they can work in a more focused manner at home. 

More than half of those surveyed (53 percent) would give up working from home or remotely for a higher salary. “The cost of living has increased sharply in recent times. As a result, many employees are once again focusing more on pay,” says Reinhart. “Nonetheless, more than one-third (38 percent) of respondents would be unwilling to give up working from home.”

More than half of respondents (52 percent) are allowed to work three days a week or more from home. One-fifth (20 percent) have the option of working from home or remotely for the full week.