Spoiler alert: remote work isn’t going anywhere – even if the job boards suggest otherwise. Remote work remains one of the hottest topics in the professional world today. Despite companies increasingly mandating Return-To-Office (RTO) policies, most job seekers are still prioritising flexibility. To get a real pulse on today’s job market, Austin Belcak of Cultivated Culture surveyed over 1,200 professionals about their priorities, challenges, and strategies when it comes to remote work in 2025. Here’s what they revealed and why it matters for candidates, companies, and anyone navigating the modern job hunt…
What We Learned: 20+ Remote Work Facts & Stats
Here’s a snapshot of what professionals had to say:
- 45% of job seekers say remote work is the most important factor when considering a new role.
- 87% are prioritising remote roles in their job search – 31% are exclusively applying for remote-only positions.
- 58% would take a pay cut to work remotely.
- 63% would even switch careers to land a remote role.
- 87% are actively up-skilling to compete in the remote job market.
- 59% have noticed fewer remote roles available
- 28% say competition is the biggest barrier to landing remote work
- 46% seek remote roles to access better opportunities without relocating.
- 34.5% need remote work due to health or caregiving responsibilities.
Why Remote Work Still Reigns in 2025
It’s easy to assume remote work is about convenience. But for many, it’s far deeper.
One survey respondent put it plainly:
“Remote is necessary for me (child/school). I can travel to sites monthly or quarterly to support if required. If local, I can commute two days a week within a 45-minute commute.”
Others echoed this, saying remote work gave them the ability to stay in their hometowns or support health and caregiving needs.
What Job Seekers Are Really Prioritising
When asked about the most important aspect of a new role:
- 44.6% ranked remote work at the top.
- 31.3% said compensation.
Flexibility beats salary for many – especially if work-life balance is on the line.
“If all else is equal, and one company offered some hybrid structure while the other was fully in office, I’m taking hybrid every time.”
Remote > Higher Pay?
Yes. Over 58% of job seekers said they would accept less pay if it meant they could work remotely.
This is backed by Harvard research too – nearly 40% would give up at least 5% of their salary to avoid commuting.
Career Changes Just To Work Remotely?
Absolutely.
63.4% of respondents said they would consider changing industries or careers to land a remote job. That’s a massive shift and shows just how powerful the desire for flexibility has become.
Why People Want Remote Jobs: It’s Not Just About Zoom Calls In Pyjamas
Top reasons job seekers are seeking remote roles:
- 64.4% – Work-life balance
- 64.2% – Saving time and money
- 45.8% – Access to better roles without relocating
- 33.1% – Geographic freedom
- 34.5% – Health needs or chronic illness
- Caregiving responsibilities were also a major theme
“I am the sole caregiver of my elderly mom. I have no family backup… Remote work is the only option.”
The Biggest Challenges
- 28% say high competition is the toughest part.
- 21% struggle with location restrictions (yes, even for remote roles).
- Many remote jobs still require candidates to live in specific areas.
How Job Seekers Are Adapting
People aren’t just hoping for remote work, they’re preparing for it:
- 44.9% optimised resumes and LinkedIn profiles for remote roles
- 19.3% completed online certifications
- 8.7% started networking
- 8.6% hired career coaches
Only 13.4% haven’t tried new strategies yet. That means the other 87% are actively up-skilling.
Fewer Remote Jobs Are Available
The landscape is shifting. 59% say they’ve noticed fewer remote job postings in 2025, and nearly a quarter have been job hunting for a full year or more.
This isn’t just a challenge for job seekers – it’s a missed opportunity for companies that cling to outdated models.
So… What Does It All Mean?
Here are three takeaways that companies and candidates alike should consider:
1. RTO Mandates = Missed Talent
Candidates are willing to compromise on salary for flexibility. That means remote-friendly companies will win the war for talent, especially among top performers.
2. Candidates Are Willing To Compromise
Professionals are willing to sacrifice salary, switch careers, and re-skill if it means working remotely. That’s a powerful message.
3. Flexibility Unlocks Access
Want the best talent? Go where they are – not just geographically, but situationally. Understand their needs, and build roles that reflect today’s reality.
Remote work isn’t going anywhere, but how companies and candidates respond to its evolution will define the future of work.
Want more insight from the mind behind this survey?
Check out our full interview with Austin Belcak for deeper insights into remote hiring, job search strategies, and what’s next in the world of work!
