Shaping Your Next Role: Job Seeker Insights from the Return to Work Survey

The landscape of work has undergone a significant transformation over the past few years, fundamentally altering what professionals value most in their careers. Adecco’s comprehensive Return to Work Survey, gathering insights from over 2,400 Australian professionals, reveals that today’s job seekers are prioritising factors beyond traditional considerations like salary and advancement opportunities.

Our survey shows that flexibility, workplace culture, and work-life balance have become the driving forces behind career decisions in 2025. With 71% of respondents citing flexibility as the reason they’re staying with their current organisation, and 70% indicating they would look elsewhere if forced to return to the office full-time, it’s clear that job seekers now hold significant power in negotiating their ideal working arrangements.

This article explores how you can leverage these insights to navigate the job market more effectively and secure roles that align with your priorities.

Understand What You Really Want

Before diving into job applications, take time to reflect on what matters to you in your career:

Assess Your Flexibility Needs

Our survey revealed that 95% of professionals consider workplace flexibility either “very important” or “somewhat important.” But flexibility means different things to different people:

• Work location flexibility: Do you thrive in a fully remote environment, or do you prefer a hybrid arrangement? Our data shows that among organisations with formal policies:
  • 39% require just 1-2 days of office presence
  • 37% expect 3-4 days in the office
  • 24% still maintain a traditional five-day office schedule
• Time flexibility: Beyond location, consider whether you need flexibility in your working hours. Are core hours important to you, or do you need complete autonomy over your schedule?
• Productivity patterns: 60% of our survey respondents reported improved productivity with flexible arrangements, while 35% maintained the same levels. Reflect on your own productivity patterns—when and where do you work best?

Evaluate Cultural Priorities

75% of respondents rated workplace culture as “very important,” with only 4% considering it “not important.” This makes culture one of the most important factors in job satisfaction.

Consider what aspects of workplace culture matter most to you:

• Leadership style: Do you prefer hands-on management or autonomy?
• Team dynamics: Is collaboration essential, or do you thrive in independent roles?
• Recognition and feedback: How important is regular recognition and constructive feedback?
• Inclusivity and diversity: What importance do you place on working in a diverse, inclusive environment?
• Social connection: Do you value strong social bonds with colleagues, or is a more transactional relationship sufficient?

Define Your Non-Negotiables

Based on the survey data, we recommend creating three categories:

1. Deal-breakers: What would cause you to immediately reject an offer?
2. Strong preferences: What would significantly influence your decision?
3. Nice-to-haves: What would be beneficial but not essential?

Research Prospective Employers

With your priorities defined, use these strategies to find companies aligned with your needs:

Investigate Flexible Working Policies

Our survey shows that 66% of organisations still lack formal Work From Home policies. Before applying, research company policies and have a look at the social media presence as well as any online employee reviews.

Assess Cultural Authenticity

With 82% of respondents stating that improved workplace culture would increase their willingness to return to the office, culture has become a critical factor. Look into a potential company’s values, leadership and DEI practices.

Master the Interview Process

The interview is your opportunity to not only showcase your skills but also to evaluate whether the organisation meets your needs:

Ask Strategic Questions

Prepare questions that reveal the nature of a company’s approach to flexibility and culture:

• About flexibility:
  • “Can you describe your current flexible working arrangements in practice?”
  • “How do you measure productivity in hybrid or remote settings?”
  • “What technology and resources do you provide to support remote work?”
  • “How have your flexible working policies evolved over the past year?”
• About culture:
  • “How would you describe team dynamics when some members are remote?”
  • “What initiatives do you have to maintain culture in a hybrid environment?”
  • “How do you ensure remote workers have equal opportunities for advancement?”
  • “Can you share examples of how the company lives its stated values?”

Read Between the Lines

Pay attention to how interviewers respond to your questions. Do they hesitate when you bring up flexibility or give you inconsistent answers about their policies? Or do they keep emphasising in-office presence? This could indicate rigid policies or a traditional mindset.

Leverage Market Trends in Negotiation

Our survey findings provide powerful leverage for negotiations:

• Cite the data: Mention that 70% of professionals would consider leaving if required to return to the office full-time.
• Highlight productivity: Reference that 95% of employees maintain or improve productivity with flexible arrangements.
• Discuss culture: Note that 82% of professionals would be more willing to spend time in the office with improved culture.

Evaluate Job Offers

When you receive an offer, take the time to assess it holistically. You may feel inclined to jump at the first offer you receive but it’s still important to make sure it’s a good fit for you, even in today’s competitive market.

Look Beyond Salary

While competitive compensation remains important, our survey indicates other factors now carry significant weight. Consider the financial benefits of reduced commuting and the impact on your wellbeing through work arrangements that suit your lifestyle.

Ask for formal documentation of flexible working arrangements that put down in writing the details of their policies, like expectations and communication protocols.

Make the Transition

Once you’ve secured a new role, chat to your new employer or line manager about how best to align their preferred working patterns and communication preferences with yours. Flexibility and transparency are both important here and aim to be as collaborative as possible. Make sure you agree on how your performance will be evaluated early on.

Actively Contribute to Culture

With 75% of professionals rating culture as very important, be part of creating the environment you want:

• Virtual engagement: Participate actively in online team activities.
• In-person opportunities: Make the most of office time for relationship building.
• Feedback: Provide constructive input on how flexibility/culture could be enhanced.7

The 2025 job market has shifted dramatically in favour of professionals who know what they want and how to find it. With flexibility and culture emerging as key drivers of job decisions, you have unprecedented leverage to shape your career on your terms.

By understanding your priorities, and asking the right questions, you can secure roles that offer not just financial rewards but genuine alignment with your ideal working environment.

Looking for a role that aligns with your priorities? Visit Adecco’s job listings or connect with our consultants to discover opportunities that match your ideal working arrangements. Plus, download our Salary Guide to gain insights into industry pay trends and make informed career decisions!