Do Employers Dislike Work from Home?
- Matthew Coppola
- May 8
- 2 min read
Since the pandemic shifted how many of us work, working from home (WFH) has gone from a rare perk to a widespread expectation. But as office doors reopen, the question remains—do employers actually like or dislike remote working?
The answer isn’t black and white.
A Shift in Attitudes
At the height of COVID-19, remote work was a necessity. Productivity remained steady, and many businesses saw benefits such as reduced overheads and improved work-life balance among staff. However, now that the urgency has passed, some employers are re-evaluating their stance.
While many organisations remain supportive of flexible work arrangements, others are showing signs of resistance—encouraging, or even mandating, a return to the office.
Why Some Employers Are Pushing Back
There are several reasons why some employers may be hesitant about continuing with remote work:
Collaboration and culture: Some leaders feel that organic collaboration and workplace culture suffer when teams are not physically together.
Productivity concerns: Despite many studies showing stable or increased productivity, not all managers feel comfortable without the visual accountability of an in-office presence.
Training and development: It can be more challenging to onboard new staff or offer mentoring opportunities remotely.
Client perception: In some industries, there’s still a belief that a central, physical office reflects professionalism.
The Hybrid Compromise
Rather than a full return to the old ways, many businesses are opting for a hybrid model—offering a blend of in-office and remote work. This tends to address both employer concerns and employee preferences.
Surveys consistently show that flexibility is now a top priority for jobseekers, and companies that ignore this trend may risk losing talent to more adaptable employers.
What It Means for Jobseekers
If you're applying for roles, it’s important to understand each employer’s position on WFH. Some may welcome it; others may expect full-time office presence.
Either way, demonstrating adaptability, strong communication skills, and self-discipline can help ease any concerns an employer might have about remote work.
In Summary
Not all employers dislike working from home—but their level of comfort with it varies depending on the nature of the work, the culture of the organisation, and their own management style.
The key is balance—finding arrangements that support both business outcomes and employee wellbeing.
