Is Money Enough to Bring Us Back to the Office?

A lot has changed in the way we work, but one question seems to be on the minds of many business leaders: Is it time to return to the office full-time? According to a recent KPMG survey, Australian CEOs are eager to make this happen. But what about the employees?

We ran a poll at FlexCareers to find out whether financial incentives could lure people back to the office. The response was loud and clear—87% of people said "Home sweet home" still wins over any financial perks. Only 13% said, "Show me the money!"

Why Home Still Wins

The results make one thing obvious: working from home has become a major priority for many people. While financial rewards like pay increases or bonuses might be tempting, they’re not enough to sway the majority of workers. Why? Because working from home offers so much more than just convenience. There’s the freedom of managing your own schedule, the joy of avoiding long commutes, and the all-important balance between work and life that can be tough to achieve in an office setting. Working from home allows individuals to prioritise their health, engage in hobbies, and spend quality time with loved ones, all of which contribute to a happier, more fulfilled life.

Why Are CEOs So Keen on the Office?

From the CEO's perspective, it’s easy to see why they’re eager to bring people back. Many business leaders believe that being in the office improves teamwork, sparks creativity, and strengthens company culture. While these concerns are valid, the gap between what CEOs want and what employees need is widening.

However, research shows that remote and hybrid work can enhance productivity and creativity by allowing employees to thrive in their preferred environments. Moreover, today’s digital tools facilitate collaboration just as effectively as face-to-face meetings. Forcing everyone back into the office risks disengaging employees, who increasingly value flexibility. A strong workplace culture is built on supporting diverse work styles, ultimately helping to attract and retain talent.

What Would Happen If Full-Time Office Work Was Mandated?

We also asked our poll audience another important question: What if your company mandated a full return to the office? The responses were telling. Only 8% said they would "stay and adjust." A much larger group—52%—would request a hybrid option, showing that a mix of office and home working is a popular choice. However, a significant 37% of people said they would start looking for a new role if forced back into full-time office work, and 3% were undecided.

This highlights just how much flexibility has become a non-negotiable for employees. For many, it's no longer just a perk—it's a requirement.

Can Money Really Change Minds?

The poll results show that for most people, money alone isn’t enough to make the jump back to full-time office life. It’s clear that flexibility is a big deal for today’s workforce. People aren’t just chasing paychecks—they want jobs that fit with their lives, allowing them to work in ways that reduce stress and increase well-being.

The Future Is Flexible

The message is clear: flexibility is here to stay. While CEOs might hope that offering a little extra money will bring people back to the office, it’s not the solution most employees are looking for. Instead, the future of work lies in creating flexible options that give people the freedom to choose how and where they work best.

At FlexCareers, we’re all about helping businesses embrace this new way of working. Whether it’s setting up hybrid work models or offering fully remote roles, we can help you create a flexible environment that keeps your team happy and productive.

The poll results speak for themselves—flexibility is king. If businesses want to attract and retain top talent, it’s time to look beyond financial incentives and focus on what employees really want: the freedom to work in ways that fit their lives. Let’s keep the future of work flexible!