The Future of Work: What Our LinkedIn Poll Reveals
The workplace is changing again, but not without some tension. After several years of remote and hybrid work becoming the norm, many companies are starting to pull back these policies. The question is, where does this leave employees and the future of work itself?
To get a sense of where people stand, we recently ran a LinkedIn poll asking for views on full-time return-to-office mandates. Here’s how over 1,000 respondents voted:
Support it: 1%
Prefer hybrid: 46%
Remote should stay: 39%
I’d leave over it: 14%
The results say it all: while only a small fraction support a full return to the office, the majority favour some level of flexibility, with hybrid models coming out on top. Remote work still has a strong following, and a notable portion of respondents say they would leave their role entirely if forced back to the office full-time.
What Does This Mean for the Workplace?
1. Flexibility Is No Longer a Perk but an Expectation
For many, remote and hybrid work have transformed how they balance life and career. Skipping the commute, having more control over schedules, and creating a personalised workspace have become essential, not optional.
2. Hybrid Is Emerging as the Preferred Middle Ground
Nearly half of respondents favour hybrid models, which combine the focus and freedom of remote work with the connection and collaboration of in-office time. This approach gives companies the cultural benefits of physical spaces while meeting employee demand for autonomy.
3. Mandates Carry Risks
With 14% saying they would consider leaving their job if forced back, strict office-only policies risk disengagement and attrition. For businesses competing for talent, understanding this sentiment is crucial.
Where Do We Go From Here?
The debate about the future of work touches on productivity, mental health, inclusivity, and sustainability. Leaders now face the challenge of creating policies that respect these factors while meeting organisational needs.
Some ways to navigate the shift:
Keep communication open to understand employee preferences.
Offer choice where possible, recognising diverse roles and circumstances.
Focus on outcomes, not hours, to build trust and accountability.
Foster team connection, whether in person or virtually, to maintain culture.
The workplace is evolving, and so are expectations. Whether you support full office returns, prefer hybrid, or want remote to remain, this conversation is shaping how we work for years to come.
Where do you stand?
