More than Half of Employees Globally Would Quit Their Jobs If Not Provided Post-pandemic Flexibility

According to the EY 2021 Work Reimagined Employee Survey, over half of global employees (54%) would consider leaving their job if they’re not offered flexibility in where and when they work post-pandemic. The survey gathered responses from more than 16,000 employees across 16 countries and various industries, providing insight into how the pandemic has reshaped expectations for work in the “next normal.”

Flexibility Is Now Essential

• 9 in 10 employees want flexibility in either where or when they work.
• 54% prioritize flexibility when working, while 40% want location flexibility.
• On average, employees prefer to work remotely 2–3 days per week.
• Just 22% say they want to return to the office full-time.
• 33% favor a shorter workweek.
• Most employees (67%) believe productivity can be reasonably measured regardless of location.

Younger Workers More Likely to Quit for Flexibility

Millennials are twice as likely as baby boomers to leave their current jobs if flexible options are not provided. Job roles most likely to switch include managers, tech and finance professionals, and caregivers. In contrast, baby boomers, long-tenured employees, and those in government or education roles are likely to stay put.

Despite this, 76% of employees are satisfied with their jobs, and 93% plan to stay in their current roles for the following year.

“Flexible work is the new currency for attracting and retaining talent. Organizations that fail to embrace it risk losing top performers.”
– Liz Fealy, EY Global People Advisory Services Deputy Leader

Remote Work Has Improved Culture for Many

Nearly half (48%) of employees say their company’s culture has improved during the pandemic, while only 31% feel it has declined. This suggests that remote work has not only been manageable for many but has also strengthened workplace culture.

Health, Safety, and the Future of Work

As companies plan for a return to the office, health and safety remain at the top of employees' minds. According to the EY 2021 Work Reimagined Employee Survey, 61% of respondents believe vaccination should be mandatory for on-site workers. Views vary by region, however. In South America, agreement is strongest, with 66% supporting employer-led vaccine requirements, while in EMEIA (Europe, the Middle East, India, and Africa), that number drops to 52%.

These findings suggest that employees expect organizations to take an active role in protecting workplace health. When determining their vaccination policies, employers crafting their return-to-office strategies should consider local sentiment, regulatory guidance, and public health best practices.

Flexible Work Demands Stronger Tech

The shift toward hybrid and remote working has redefined what employees expect from their work environment, whether in a corporate office or home. The survey revealed a clear message: technology investment is now a cornerstone of employee satisfaction and performance.

Key findings include:

• 64% of employees want improved in-office tech, such as faster internet and better video conferencing tools.
• 48% ask for upgraded at-home equipment, like dual monitors and noise-canceling headsets.
• 47% would like employers to reimburse home internet or mobile costs.

Although many companies have adopted virtual meeting tools, these numbers indicate a growing expectation that employers continue to improve the digital infrastructure that supports flexible work. This includes tangible assets (hardware and connectivity) and softer elements such as training, digital etiquette, and support services.

Interestingly, despite the rise of virtual collaboration, there remains a strong appetite for business travel. 67% of employees say they want to travel for work at least moderately, up from 49% in 2020, highlighting a renewed desire for face-to-face engagement when appropriate.

“Shared physical experiences once shaped organizational culture, but new hybrid models are changing that dynamic,” says Roselyn Feinsod, Principal, People Advisory Services, Ernst & Young LLP. “As businesses evolve, they must rethink how they define productivity, connection, and culture across in-person and digital settings.”

About the Survey

The 2021 EY Work Reimagined Employee Survey is one of the most comprehensive studies. Conducted in March 2021, it gathered 16,264 responses from employees in 16 countries across 23 industries. Participants ranged in age from 21 to 65+, with over half identifying as millennials. Roles included senior leadership, mid-level managers, and frontline staff across the public and private sectors.

The survey offers a multi-dimensional view of employee expectations post-pandemic, capturing insights across 24 demographic and workplace-related categories. It builds on EY’s 2020 survey and reflects evolving attitudes as organizations transition toward new work models.

About EY

EY (Ernst & Young) is a global leader in assurance, consulting, strategy, tax, and transaction services. With teams operating in over 150 countries, EY helps clients solve complex challenges and build long-term value by combining deep industry expertise with data and technology. Their mission is simple yet ambitious: to create a better working world.