Fewer than 2 in 5 new grads would be willing to work in-office, according to report

(KRON) — Fewer than two in five — 39% — new graduates would be willing to accept a job that requires working in the office, according to a new report. About 42% of new grads would refuse to accept a job at all at a company that doesn’t offer at least flexible or hybrid work schedules.

That’s according to the 2025 State of the Graduate Report from Monster.

A majority of new grads — 69% — said they would be more likely to apply for a job in the first place if it allowed them to work remotely. That represents a 5% increase over last year with this year’s report coming in the midst of a spate of Return to Office orders from public and private employers across the Bay Area and beyond.

The survey was conducted online in the U.S. by the Harris Poll on behalf of MullenLowe among 1,009 respondents aged between 18 and 24, including 504 recent graduates and 505 impending graduates.

“The graduates’ work preferences and deal breakers provide tremendous insight to employers,” said Monster Career Expert, Vicki Salemi. “Their top must-haves are work-life balance, good health insurance, career growth/learning opportunities, and having a brag-worthy job.”

But of those surveyed, the majority — 54% — identified work-life balance as more important than factors like good health insurance, career growth opportunities, and having a “brag-worthy” job.

Also, an increasing number of graduates — 67% — see the traditional 9-to-5 workday as a thing of the past. Additionally, the 5-day work week is also seen as outdated by 64% of survey respondents — a 10 percent jump over last year.

A majority — 59% — think that working full-time in an office is outdated, a 5% jump from last year.

Workplace predictions

According to the survey, in 2026, hybrid work will become a “key differentiator.” Companies with strict return-to-office policies may find themselves struggling to attract younger talent.