Remote Workers Reluctant to Return to Office, Survey Reveals

The online survey service Anketolog.ru has conducted a study regarding the likelihood of remote employees returning to the office. The findings revealed that at least 41% of participants are unwilling to commute for work under any circumstances, whether due to a lack of alternatives or even if offered a salary increase.

Only 7% of respondents expressed a desire to return to the office. Half (53%) indicated they would consider going back if no alternative options were available, while 41% firmly stated they have no intention of returning at all, according to the study’s conclusions.

Moreover, half (53%) of the respondents would be willing to return to the office if their salary was significantly increased—between 25% to 50% of their current pay. However, 19% mentioned that even if they were compelled to return to the office and offered a pay raise, they would prefer to change jobs.

Conditions that could influence their return include a flexible work schedule (54%), opportunities for career advancement (43%), reimbursement for transportation costs (40%), provided lunches (34%), and additional bonuses (33%). Nevertheless, a significant majority (88%) of respondents prefer working remotely for various reasons, such as a flexible schedule (53%), a comfortable work environment (51%), time savings from commuting (41%), and the chance to spend more time with family (40%).

The research illustrates that remote work is the favored format for many professionals. The key benefits—flexible hours, the comfort of home, and time savings—clearly outweigh potential drawbacks. More than 40% of individuals do not want to go back to office routines, noted Kristina Mishalkina, the chief editor of the Institute of Public Opinion «Anketolog.»

Among the downsides of remote work, respondents cited decreased physical activity (42%), challenges with time management (31%), distractions from family members (25%), and limited opportunities for colleague interaction (25%). The most significant issue noted was the blurred lines between work and personal time. The study found that 28% of participants regularly handle work tasks during their personal time, and 61% engage in personal activities during work hours to some extent.

Additionally, over half (54%) of the respondents admitted to having fallen asleep at work at least once, with 7% doing so regularly during work hours.

In total, the survey included more than 1,700 participants who work remotely.