The Rise of Workplace Flexibility

Employees Value Autonomy Over Remote Work

While the debate over remote vs. in-office work continues, Ivanti’s research reveals a surprising trend: employees now prioritize flexibility in work hours and location more than the option to work remotely. In fact:

• 73% of office workers consider flexible working “highly valuable” or “essential”.
• IT professionals place an even higher premium on flexibility, with 83% valuing it as critical.

This shift suggests that employees don’t just want to work from home—they want control over when and how they work.

The Flexibility Gap

Despite this demand, most companies are falling short:

• Only 23% of office workers say their current job offers high flexibility.
• There’s a 50-point gap between desired and actual flexibility for non-IT workers, and a 58-point gap for IT professionals.

This mismatch is leading to widespread dissatisfaction, with 48% of employees experiencing resenteeism (staying in a job they dislike) and 37% engaging in presenteeism (showing up without being productive).

Flexibility as a Retention Tool

Flexibility isn’t just a perk—it’s a retention strategy:

• 53% of Millennials would consider quitting for more flexibility.
• Employees who feel trusted with flexible arrangements report higher morale and productivity.

Companies that fail to adapt risk losing top talent to competitors offering better work-life balance.

The Productivity Dilemma: RTO Mandates vs. Employee Preferences

The Push for Return-to-Office (RTO)

Many employers are pressuring employees to return to the office, citing:

• Improved productivity (41%)
• Stronger company culture (37%)
• Greater control (32%) 1

However, 82% of employees say they are just as productive (if not more) outside the office.

The Hidden Costs of Strict RTO Policies

Forcing employees back has unintended consequences:

• Lower morale and satisfaction (reported by 1 in 3 workers).
• Increased resentment and disengagement.
• Higher turnover, particularly among younger workers.

Finding a Middle Ground

Instead of rigid mandates, companies should consider:

• Hybrid models that balance in-office collaboration with remote autonomy.
• Flexible scheduling, allowing employees to adjust hours for personal needs.
• Performance-based evaluations (rather than location-based oversight).

Tech Complexity & IT Burnout

The Growing Burden on IT Teams

While companies invest heavily in new technologies, tech sprawl is creating inefficiencies:

• 58% of IT professionals say wasteful IT spending is a problem.
• 38% cite tech complexity as a major operational barrier.
• 37% admit outdated systems compromise security.

The Impact of Siloed Data

Data fragmentation is another challenge:

• 62% of IT teams say silos slow security responses.
• 40% report reduced IT efficiency due to disconnected systems.

AI & Automation as Solutions

To combat inefficiencies, companies are turning to:

• AI-powered help desks for faster issue resolution.
• Automated IT workflows (e.g., self-healing systems).
• Unified IT platforms to reduce tool redundancy.

However, only 22% of organizations are increasing investments in exposure management (a holistic approach to cybersecurity and IT efficiency).

Cybersecurity Threats in 2025

Ransomware & AI-Powered Attacks

Ivanti’s 2025 State of Cybersecurity Report highlights:

• Ransomware is the top predicted threat for 2025.
• 38% of security professionals believe AI will make ransomware even more dangerous.
• Yet, only 29% feel “very prepared” for such attacks.

The Need for Exposure Management

To mitigate risks, companies must:

• Break down data silos between IT and security teams.
• Conduct regular risk assessments aligned with business goals.
• Prioritize patching critical vulnerabilities.

Key Takeaways for Employers

1. Flexibility is Non-Negotiable – Employees want autonomy, not just remote work options.
2. RTO Mandates Backfire – Forced office returns harm morale without guaranteed productivity gains.
3. IT Needs Simplification – Reducing tech sprawl and silos can improve efficiency and security.
4. Cybersecurity Must Evolve – AI-powered threats require proactive defense strategies.
5. Performance Over Presence – Trust employees to deliver results, regardless of location.

Conclusion

Ivanti’s research underscores a fundamental truth: the future of work is flexible, tech-enabled, and employee-centric. Companies that embrace these principles will attract and retain top talent, while those clinging to outdated models risk falling behind.

For deeper insights, explore Ivanti’s full reports:

• 2025 Technology at Work Report
• 2025 State of Cybersecurity Report

By aligning workplace policies with employee needs and leveraging smart technology solutions, organizations can navigate the challenges of 2025 and beyond.