Remote Worker Survey Results [June 2021]

By MakeMyMove Researchers and Staff • Jul 8, 2021
Graph with headline Remote Worker Survey Results

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:

  • 51% of COVID remote workers say they will continue to have remote privileges after the pandemic is over.

  • Men (57%) say that they are much more likely than women to have continued remote work privileges even after the pandemic is over.

  • Almost half (49%) say that the privilege of working remotely during the course of the pandemic has had a positive effect on their emotions.

  • 44% would like the flexibility to split time between their home and office while only 17% would prefer to go back to the office full time post pandemic.




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.


About MakeMyMove

Remote work has freed millions of Americans to live where they want, and many are making the move to places that better match their lifestyle. In turn, cities and towns across the country are offering incentives like cash, perks and programming to remote workers who move and work from their communities. At MakeMyMove, you can explore all the places, get personalized help to find the one that’s right for you, connect with locals, and access support to make your move a piece of cake.

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