78% of top workers may quit without flexible work policies
A new study by Cisco reveals that 78% of top-performing employees would consider leaving their jobs if employers fail to offer flexible work arrangements, as reported by HR Drive on June 13, 2025.
Cisco released its 2025 Navigating Hybrid Work Strategies in the Evolving Workplaces report after polling 21,513 employees and employers across 21 markets. The survey highlights an urgent shift in employee expectations and signals a pivotal moment for organizations rethinking return‑to‑office mandates following the pandemic.
Employees overwhelmingly associate rigid return-to-office mandates with a lack of trust. 77% of polled employees say such policies reflect a lack of confidence in their professionalism, only 39% believe mandated office days improve productivity, and just 28% agree that these requirements benefit their well-being.
92% concur that community and in‑person collaboration are vital to a productive workplace.
What Does the Report Tell Us about Flexible Working Trends?
Fran Katsoudas, Cisco’s executive vice president and chief people, policy, and purpose officer, emphasized that “flexibility makes top performers perform better,” clarifying that flexibility does not mean fully remote work, but rather accommodating individual needs and recognizing when collaboration is most effective in-person.
She suggests that the office should focus on mentorship, creativity, and team building to justify time on-site and maintain strategic value.
The study also highlights a significant communication shortfall. Only 36% of employees felt the return‑to‑office mandates were clearly explained to them. This lack of clarity contributes to employee distrust and resistance.
Katsoudas advises leaders to ask their teams about outcomes, collaboration frequency, and optimal in-person interactions to build meaningful hybrid strategies.
Generational Divides
The study reveals some key differences in views between generations. Just 44% are embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities to support hybrid environments. The disconnect is especially evident among Gen Z employees, 56% of whom believe digital tools are essential, compared to 34% of Baby Boomers.
Technology remains a critical yet under‑leveraged component of hybrid work. While 90% of employees recognize the importance of collaboration tools, only 32% of organizations are investing sufficiently in these platforms.
The difference in opinions between generations isn’t just within the use of technology. 48% of Gen Z workers view remote work as more productive, compared to 28% of Baby Boomer leaders. Wellness-focused technologies like smart lighting and air‑quality controls are requested by 64% of Gen Z employees, significantly higher than their Boomer counterparts.
What can Employers Learn from the Study?
This study serves as a warning for organizations: their star performers, the individuals who drive innovation and results, are most likely to leave if flexibility isn’t embedded in workplace policies.
The study further reveals that 85% of top performers see career development benefits from spending time in the office, yet only 34% would prefer to work primarily on-site. This contrast highlights the need for flexibility, balanced with intentional in-person engagement.
Employers often justify return‑to‑office rules as a means to reduce real estate expenses, but employees cite commuting costs and stress on work‑life balance as significant concerns. In this tug‑of‑war, flexibility emerges as a tipping point for retaining talent.
Experts recommend that organizations co-create hybrid work policies with employee input, ensuring that return‑to‑office requirements are flexible and based on trust.
Employers should also invest in collaboration and AI‑driven technologies to support more integrated hybrid operations. Leadership should redefine office environments to center around mentorship, innovation, and culture, rather than routine tasks.
Related Content:
Return to Office: Pros, Cons, and Top Strategies to Succeed
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6 Ways to Better Manage a Hybrid Work Environment
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