Echoing a lot of folks here - I don't think there is a salary increase that would make me return to the office. I'm one of those people that move around the world (or 'chase the sun') quite a lot during the year, and the flexibility of working remotely from anywhere I wish at the current moment is way too important for me to give up. It'd be a complete lifestyle change.
The only scenario in which I could see myself back in the office space is a temporary contract (with a hefty salary increase) - "earn and forget" approach. And it's quite likely that for many remote-lovers, even if the money did tempt them back successfully, it would be a temporary thing. It's been proven over and over that you can hire nearly anyone if you offer a crazy enough amount, but it will not be a successful, long-term hire; they will be gone shortly after.
Salary is super important, but flexibility is definitely more important. Can I pick up my kids if I need to? Can I work from home if there's a snow day? We do 2 days in office a week currently, but I appreciate the flex.
No amount of money could replace the freedom, flexibility and quality family time I get to spend with my children instead of being stuck in traffic commuting to work and back
5 days a week wouldn't bother me at all as long as there is flexibility in taking days when i need them. I'm not here to convince anyone otherwise but for me, being in the office (currently 3 days a week) is a good thing and being with teammates in person is awesome.
I’m entering my 9th year working full time remote and there is no amount of money that would ever make me return to the office. The monetary exchange that would require me to miss my kids school activities and extracurricular activities as a single parent would be paltry at best. By default historically marginalized communities are most impacted by these kind of mandates and that alone is problematic for me.
great to hear that you've achieved this Brittany. The sacrifice for career that parents are routinely forced to make has been one of the under reported tragedies in modern times.
For me there is a huge benefit to being together for idea generation and brainstorming but that is also better done in small doses. There is no dollar amount that would convince me to go back to full time anything as the definition of full time became too all consuming. They're is nothing that could replace the peace I have found with a more balanced schedule and contemplation time.
I don’t think any amount would tempt me back to the office full time. It’s about trust and autonomy as well as logic and value-add for me. Any employer asking me to spend significant time commuting just so I can be physically present would need to be able to explain to me how that adds value, for them, our client, the team and for me. I feel I’m much more productive and deliver better ROI when I’m not wasting time on a commute every day….
I’d have to have a very very very short commute no matter the money. I love remote work too much and have such improved lifestyle including mental health it’d be hard to give that up.
I suppose I could consider it, but honestly, so much depends on commute time.
I am literally <15 minutes from my office, and voluntarily report 2x/week, and I cannot imagine being 100% onsite. It's just too convenient not to have to shave everyday.
But if someone were to approach me for an external opportunity: I have literally turned down 2x for a 100% onsite role involving a 1.5 hour commute each way.
wow - you turned down a double your money offer Ed? I think that this is totally reasonable today but imagine talking to yourself in 2019 and saying that in future you turn down such an offer!
Not while we are building QuoIntelligence. And in an eventual exit scenario I would not consider a full time office role, not for all the money in the world.
Echoing a lot of folks here - I don't think there is a salary increase that would make me return to the office. I'm one of those people that move around the world (or 'chase the sun') quite a lot during the year, and the flexibility of working remotely from anywhere I wish at the current moment is way too important for me to give up. It'd be a complete lifestyle change.
The only scenario in which I could see myself back in the office space is a temporary contract (with a hefty salary increase) - "earn and forget" approach. And it's quite likely that for many remote-lovers, even if the money did tempt them back successfully, it would be a temporary thing. It's been proven over and over that you can hire nearly anyone if you offer a crazy enough amount, but it will not be a successful, long-term hire; they will be gone shortly after.
Salary is super important, but flexibility is definitely more important. Can I pick up my kids if I need to? Can I work from home if there's a snow day? We do 2 days in office a week currently, but I appreciate the flex.
No amount of money could replace the freedom, flexibility and quality family time I get to spend with my children instead of being stuck in traffic commuting to work and back
5 days a week wouldn't bother me at all as long as there is flexibility in taking days when i need them. I'm not here to convince anyone otherwise but for me, being in the office (currently 3 days a week) is a good thing and being with teammates in person is awesome.
I'm with you Kraig! I am in the office most days already, by choice. I have full flexibility to create the balance that I need already :)
great stuff Kraig!
I’m entering my 9th year working full time remote and there is no amount of money that would ever make me return to the office. The monetary exchange that would require me to miss my kids school activities and extracurricular activities as a single parent would be paltry at best. By default historically marginalized communities are most impacted by these kind of mandates and that alone is problematic for me.
great to hear that you've achieved this Brittany. The sacrifice for career that parents are routinely forced to make has been one of the under reported tragedies in modern times.
200% agree with this!!!
For me there is a huge benefit to being together for idea generation and brainstorming but that is also better done in small doses. There is no dollar amount that would convince me to go back to full time anything as the definition of full time became too all consuming. They're is nothing that could replace the peace I have found with a more balanced schedule and contemplation time.
great comment Deniene - love the nuance here. And agree...there may not be a number big enough at this point!
I don’t think any amount would tempt me back to the office full time. It’s about trust and autonomy as well as logic and value-add for me. Any employer asking me to spend significant time commuting just so I can be physically present would need to be able to explain to me how that adds value, for them, our client, the team and for me. I feel I’m much more productive and deliver better ROI when I’m not wasting time on a commute every day….
very good point Caroline. It's not only the imposition but the implication of coming to the office
I’d have to have a very very very short commute no matter the money. I love remote work too much and have such improved lifestyle including mental health it’d be hard to give that up.
very interesting Caitlin! Is there any number which would tempt you?
I suppose I could consider it, but honestly, so much depends on commute time.
I am literally <15 minutes from my office, and voluntarily report 2x/week, and I cannot imagine being 100% onsite. It's just too convenient not to have to shave everyday.
But if someone were to approach me for an external opportunity: I have literally turned down 2x for a 100% onsite role involving a 1.5 hour commute each way.
As I get older, my time gets more precious to me.
wow - you turned down a double your money offer Ed? I think that this is totally reasonable today but imagine talking to yourself in 2019 and saying that in future you turn down such an offer!
To be honest, it's the commute. 3 hours of my life, everyday?
When I was a kid, my time had little meaning; I'm too old to devalue my life like that.
Would never return to 100% classic office. May consider hybrid for a significant pay bump. Quality of life has a price.
is there a ridiculous offer which would tempt you Antonio?
Not while we are building QuoIntelligence. And in an eventual exit scenario I would not consider a full time office role, not for all the money in the world.
Michelangelo’s Pieta’s price