How many tech workers have quit due to inflexible workplace policies?

The tech sector has been hit with more return-to-office mandates and other stringent requirements, such as asking employees to work longer hours. But nearly half of them are just not having it. According to data from Randstad, a recruitment company based in Amsterdam, 2 in 5 workers in the technology sector said they left their positions in the last year due to their employers’ working requirements.

The survey queried more than 26,000 staff in 35 markets, 2,548 of whom worked in technology. Those who reported leaving over inflexible work policies cited return-to-office mandates, increased time requirements and increased “intensity of work” as reasons for leaving. Additionally, 56 percent said they threatened to seek alternatives if their company ignored or denied their requests for more flexibility.

Nearly three-quarters of tech-sector respondents answered that they believe remote work increases a “sense of community” with colleagues. This is higher than the average of 58 percent who said the same in other sectors, suggesting remote work is valued highly among tech workers. And 68 percent of tech employees said they trust their employer more if they’re more easygoing on working hours, intensity of work and where employees work.