Robert Half managing director Megan Alexander says the survey shows workers are aware of the limitations associated with working from home. Photo: RNZ
Workers believe they are less likely to be promoted if they work from home, a new survey suggests.
An independent survey of 500 full-time office workers by Robert Half - a recruitment firm - found 58 percent believed they were more likely to be promoted than colleagues who work from home.
However, only 54 percent of workers were willing to spend more time in the office if it were a requirement for a promotion, while 17 percent said they would rather look for another job.
Robert Half managing director Megan Alexander said the survey showed workers were aware of the limitations associated with working from home.
"The growing emphasis on in-office work by employers could create career progression hurdles for those seeking to remain remote," Alexander said.
"The reality is, physical presence in the office enhances visibility, promotes collaboration and aids in promoting culture, all of which are highly valued by employers."
While all generations acknowledged the potential promotional advantages of in-office work, the research found younger workers Gen Z (56 percent) born between 1997 and 2012 and Gen X (58 percent) born between 1965 and 1980, were more willing to increase their office attendance in order to be favoured for a promotion.
Alexander said businesses needed to focus on whether outcomes and outputs mattered more than an in-office presence when considering a promotion.
"As working in the office has returned as the new norm for Kiwi workers, the significance of in-office attendance as a key factor in promotional decisions diminishes," she said.
On the other hand, Alexander said a hybrid worker needed to consider their career ambitions and understand that advancement may be more challenging.
"If you're wanting to build relationships and have careers, and be seen doing other things beyond the task of your job, then it's probably better to be in," she said.
"People that want to consistently work from home are definitely missing out in the eyes of the employer."
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