Is working from home the ultimate job perk? About two in five Americans say they’re living the dream by working remotely. While less than one in 10 wish to work on-location full time. That’s according to a new poll of 2,000 employed Americans. It reveals that if given the opportunity to build their dream schedule, 42 percent would opt to leave their job and work remotely. With occasional days in-office.
Respondents would also be much more likely to choose an entirely remote schedule (26%) than entirely on location (9%). In reality, the majority (39%) work remotely most of the time, with occasional days in-office. Almost one quarter (24%) work entirely remotely. Only one in five people surveyed have more in-person workdays than remote.
Job flexibility is so important too many. Therefore, it may be no surprise that a half of respondents believe they will leave their current job within the next year.
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Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of DoorDash, the survey also explored how certain activities and perks bring employees together — in-person or Zoom style. Respondents do believe there are several activities that are better suited for in-person work styles. Compared to remote, things like one-on-one meetings (57% vs 30%) and sharing meals (51% vs 28%) ranked at the top for best in-office activities.
More respondents prefer meeting in person for social activities such as “lunch and learn” presentations (51% vs 31%) and happy hours (46% vs 32%). Respondents also feel they pay attention in meetings (59% vs 29%), connect more with their co-workers (53% vs 30%), and engage in company culture (51% vs 30%) more effectively on-location.
Most generations are closely split on whether they’re better at multitasking in-person or virtually. Millennials are most likely to accomplish it remotely (43% vs 34%). Fully remote work appeals to respondents because of the ability to have a flexible work schedule (49%), spend less time commuting (47%) and having more time to spend with family and friends (47%).
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To help keep workers happy, more companies are offering “soft perks” to employees. These include training opportunities (30%), free coffee or snacks at the office (28%) and mental health resources (27%). When asked which they’d give up for their dream job, they’d prefer to lose minor things. Things like summer Fridays (27%), annual holiday parties (27%) and birthday gifts or messages (27%).
“As companies are looking for solutions to support flexible work, food plays a leading role in maintaining a positive culture. It acts as a catalyst for employees to better connect with their teams, supports employee satisfaction and productivity, and inspires lasting memories through social gatherings over meals,” says Manushika Gabriel, Director & General Manager, DoorDash for Work.
Despite the perks of working from home, top motivators to return to in-person work full-time include spending more time with their coworkers (45%), having their company pay for their commute (42%) and being offered company-supplied meals (38%).
Work life is better after pandemic?
A little more than one-third (36%) believe their company culture has improved overall since the start of the pandemic. When asked what their employer can do in support of building culture, allowing employees to raise concerns in a safe space (54%) and creating a place to connect with coworkers outside of work (50%) ranked at the top of the list.
The survey shows that food plays a big part in happily working together. About three-fourths (74%) agree that sharing meals together positively contributes to company culture. It’s so important, in fact, things like “free lunch” and “shar[ing] meals with my coworkers in our free time. Maybe a coffee, lunch or a cupcake, something simple,” are some of the ways respondents would feel more connected to their company culture.
More than three in five (61%) believe that eating together encourages people to talk about things other than work. While 60 percent say they get to know their coworkers in a more casual setting.
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Meanwhile, 39 percent have changed jobs during the pandemic. And for those respondents, 84 percent found it more difficult to engage with their coworkers.
“Companies are interested in providing perks and benefits to employees, with meals being at the forefront for many. We share meals with our families and friends as a way of bonding. And it’s no different in an office setting, said Gabriel. “Eating together and sharing meals doesn’t just give employees a chance to connect with one another. It also builds positive company culture and team camaraderie.”
Survey methodology
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 employed Americans was commissioned by DoorDash between August 3 and August 10, 2022. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll. These team members are members of the Market Research Society. They have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).