• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia
Work Week

Over a third of workers want to return to the office full-time

Megan Leonhardt
By
Megan Leonhardt
Megan Leonhardt
Down Arrow Button Icon
Megan Leonhardt
By
Megan Leonhardt
Megan Leonhardt
Down Arrow Button Icon
August 30, 2021, 1:05 PM ET

Americans are gearing up for a hybrid workweek this fall, with many companies planning to give employees the option of working some days in person and some remotely.

But a hybrid workweek can range from one day in the office to four, depending on the company’s protocols and individual managers. So what’s the sweet spot among employees? Three days a week in the office, according to a new survey by the Harris Poll of over 1,100 U.S. workers fielded in August 2021.

But while the majority of workers want some flexibility, there is a significant portion who want to return to a five-day workweek. Just over a third of respondents, 37%, want to return to the office full-time. And men are slightly more likely to want to return in person than women; men wanted to be in the office an average of 3.5 days a week, compared with 3.1 days among women. Older workers over the age of 57 reported they wanted to spend an average of 2.7 days in the office a week, while younger workers felt more comfortable with 3.4 days in person. 

That optimal workweek is fairly consistent across all job levels, from entry level to C-suite, although it does vary a bit across different industries, the survey finds. Workers in industries that are more traditionally in person, such as food services, manufacturing, construction, and trucking, typically reported an optimal hybrid work situation of closer to four days in the office, on average. 

About half of active job seekers prefer to work remotely, said Julia Pollak, a labor economist at ZipRecruiter, a leading online employment marketplace. That’s remained consistent throughout 2021, Pollak told Fortune. And the share looking to work remotely even after the pandemic ends is also around 45%, she said, adding that the desire to work remotely is highest among workers ages 25 to 44.

About 18% of companies plan to use a hybrid workweek this fall, according to a recent survey from PwC. Another 18% plan to use a mix of in-person and hybrid options, and 19% plan to require that employees work fully in person this fall. 

“Companies have a tremendous opportunity here to transform work,” Neil Dhar, PwC’s chief clients officer recently said. By redesigning the workweek, companies can help drive growth, better prepare for uncertainty, and create a workplace that top talent is eager to join, said Dhar. And that can be a huge advantage as 65% of workers are currently hunting for a new job.

More must-read business news and analysis from Fortune:

  • These are the most overvalued housing markets in the U.S.
  • This one chart puts Biden’s student loan cancellation into perspective
  • Is “Big Day Care” the solution to America’s childcare woes—or is it risky to mix profits and toddlers?
  • What’s fueling “The Great Resignation” among younger generations?
  • All the major companies requiring vaccines for workers

Subscribe to Fortune Daily to get essential business stories straight to your inbox each morning.

About the Author
Megan Leonhardt
By Megan Leonhardt
LinkedIn iconTwitter icon
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Careers

Financial advisor presents a graph to her client.
Career HubEducation
How to become a financial advisor: 4 steps to a life-long career
By Preston ForeJanuary 2, 2025
1 year ago
Group of business people look at charts and graphs.
Career HubEducation
How to become an actuary: 4 steps to earn six figures
By Preston ForeOctober 21, 2024
1 year ago
Woman analyzes a chart with a laptop next to her.
Career HubEducation
How to become a CPA
By Preston ForeSeptember 27, 2024
1 year ago
Woman explains a concept to a woman sitting next to her.
Career HubEducation
How to become an accountant
By Preston ForeSeptember 20, 2024
1 year ago
Group of varied professionals stand looking toward the camera.
Career HubEducation
These are the nation’s fastest growing jobs—and many pay $100k
By Preston ForeSeptember 13, 2024
1 year ago
Nurse pulls cash out of the front pocket of their scrubs.
Career HubEducation
A guide to a nurse’s salary: Broken down by all 50 states and industry type
By Preston ForeAugust 7, 2024
1 year ago

Most Popular

placeholder alt text
Success
40% of Stanford undergrads receive disability accommodations—but it’s become a college-wide phenomenon as Gen Z try to succeed in the current climate
By Preston ForeDecember 12, 2025
3 days ago
placeholder alt text
Success
Apple cofounder Ronald Wayne sold his 10% stake for $800 in 1976—today it’d be worth up to $400 billion
By Preston ForeDecember 12, 2025
3 days ago
placeholder alt text
Uncategorized
Transforming customer support through intelligent AI operations
By Lauren ChomiukNovember 26, 2025
19 days ago
placeholder alt text
Economy
The Fed just ‘Trump-proofed’ itself with a unanimous move to preempt a potential leadership shake-up
By Jason MaDecember 12, 2025
3 days ago
placeholder alt text
Energy
Everything the Trump administration is doing in Venezuela involves oil and regime change—even if the White House won’t admit it
By Jordan BlumDecember 14, 2025
1 day ago
placeholder alt text
Economy
More financially distressed farmers are expected to lose their property soon as loan repayments and incomes continue to falter
By Jason MaDecember 13, 2025
2 days ago
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • Future 50
  • World’s Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
Sections
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Success
  • Tech
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Environment
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Health
  • Retail
  • Lifestyle
  • Politics
  • Newsletters
  • Magazine
  • Features
  • Commentary
  • Mpw
  • CEO Initiative
  • Conferences
  • Personal Finance
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map

© 2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.