In December, ResumeBuilder.com surveyed 1,190 full-time employees who have a job that could feasibly be done remotely.
The survey consisted of 417 remote workers, 567 hybrid workers, and 206 fully in-office workers.
Overall, we found that in 2023 remote workers were the least likely to be rewarded at work, receiving fewer promotions and raises. However, this group was equally as likely or more likely to report being more productive, happier, and less stressed than hybrid and fully in-office employees.
Key findings:
- Remote workers are least likely to get promotions, raises in 2023
- Fully in-office employees report more stress, unhappiness at work
- All three groups report similar levels of connectedness to their company, co-workers, and bosses
- Half of fully in-office workers say they will look for a new job next year, compared to 36% of remote workers and 43% of hybrid workers
- 92% of remote workers like their current work-location arrangement, compared to 35% of in-office workers and 69% of hybrid workers
Remote Workers Less Likely To Advance
Remote workers were the least likely group to receive promotions and raises. When remote workers did receive raises, they tended to be lower than hybrid or fullyin-office workers.
“We have seen since the advent of remote work proliferating, managers have and still often struggle with how to manage this new workforce,” says Resume Builder’s Chief Career Advisor Stacie Haller.
“This is resulting in some workers losing out on advancement and raises. Remote workers need to be more proactive when working remotely. Scheduling weekly or periodic meetings with managers to review their work and get feedback on how to achieve a promotion or higher salary is one way to make progress.”
Across Work Locations, Employees Report Similar Levels of Productivity, Connectedness
Employees across work environments report being productive, having good work relationships, and feeling connected to the company at similar rates.
“Employees are discovering what work locations they perform best in. In their ideal environment workers are more productive, connected, and less stressed. Workers thrive in different environments and should have the ability to work from the location that is best suited to their needs,” says Haller.
Fully In-Person Workers 3x More Likely To Be Unhappy at Work
Employees who work fully in-office are struggling the most with stress and are the least happy in their current job. Remote workers and hybrid workers report better mental health, work-life balance, and happiness at their current job.
“Employee happiness is key to retention and a productive, thriving environment for all employees. Workers are more likely to seek out a new position if they are unhappy. They will seek out a position that better meets their needs,” says Haller.
Half of Fully In-Office Workers Likely To Look for New Job Next Year
In-office workers are more likely to say they will look for a new job next year. Additionally, this group was the least likely to say they are happy about their current work environment arrangement. Remote workers were the least likely to say they will be job hunting next year, and the most likely to say they are happy with their current arrangement of working fully remotely.
“Remote work has provided employees more work-life balance, which is why we see that employees at companies that allow remote work are happier. Full-time office workers are the most stressed, which is likely driving them to seek out new opportunities. Now that workers can find remote positions anywhere in the country, or world, it’s easier for those who prefer to work this way to find a place that will allow them to,” says Haller.
Methodology
This survey was commissioned by ResumeBuilder.com and conducted online by the survey platform Pollfish. It was launched November 29, 2023, and 1,190 respondents completed the full survey. Respondents were employed full-time in positions that could in theory be done fully remotely.
The survey consisted of 417 remote workers, 567 hybrid workers, and 206 fully in-office workers. The age and gender of respondents were balanced across the three groups. To avoid bias, Pollfish employs Random Device Engagement (RDE) to ensure both random and organic surveying. Learn more about Pollfish’s survey methodology or contact [email protected] for more information.
