Remote Worker Survey Results [June 2021]

Survey: Nearly one third of newly remote workers likely to relocate, half would move to a new city if financially incentivized. Workers likely to relocate represent 15-20 Million moves.

About the Survey:

The survey was conducted online between June 3-15 from a national sample of 1,006 U.S. adults self described as full-time employees working remotely as a result of the pandemic. It was administered by third party research provider Qualtrics. Respondents were surveyed using an online research panel method across a combination of computer, mobile and tablet devices.

Remote work is here to stay:

According to the survey, 58% of remote workers say that they are likely (23% “very likely” and 35% “somewhat likely”) to look for a new position that offers remote work flexibility if their own employers don’t extend this privilege once the pandemic is over. This was most pronounced among younger workers as 81% of 18-24 year olds (Generation Z) and 67% of 25-34 year olds (Millennials) say they are more likely to go job hunting if their remote privileges ended. With respect to gender, men (65%) are more likely than women (53%) to leave their job and look for a new one if their current employer doesn’t offer remote work flexibility after the pandemic is over.

Remote workers are on the move:

Many remote workers also want a new change of scenery. Almost one third (29%) say that they are either “likely” or “somewhat likely” to move to a new city or town in the next 18 months while continuing to work remotely. And, while 43% cite moving expenses as a barrier to relocating, 50% of those surveyed said they would consider permanently relocating if offered $10,000 and the community has the amenities they are seeking.

“The survey results have made it very clear: remote work is here to stay,” said Evan Hock, co-founder, MakeMyMove. “For cities and towns that keenly understand the economic and other benefits these workers bring to their communities, financial incentive packages absolutely need to be a critical part of their overall remote worker attraction strategy. Ten thousand dollars, alone, could offset the cost of a move halfway across the country.”

Affordable living driving factor for relocation:

As for what’s driving people’s desire to move to a new city, the top factors were the search for a lower cost of living (37%), more affordable housing (31%), a desire to  live in a different climate (30%), a chance to meet new people and make new friends (28%) and the opportunity to live somewhere that offers the chance to live on a larger piece of property (27%).

Women less likely to move:

Despite the plethora of amenities many communities offer, not everyone, however, is so quick to pack their bags. This is particularly distinct along gender lines.

Among women, over half (51%) say that they are not at all likely to move to a new city or town while continuing to work remotely, compared to 31% of men. Even with financial incentives, only 47% of women would consider a move for $10,000 compared to 55% of men.

Other key survey findings include:

About the Survey:

The survey was conducted online between June 3-15 from a national sample of 1,006 U.S. adults self described as full-time employees working remotely as a result of the pandemic. It was administered by third party research provider Qualtrics. Respondents were surveyed using an online research panel method across a combination of computer, mobile and tablet devices.

About MakeMyMove:

MakeMyMove is the nation's first and only marketplace that matches remote workers and their families to communities across the country offering relocation incentives. MakeMyMove was founded by Bill Oesterle, co-founder of Angie’s List.