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After surveying 1,000 individuals across America, the results of our latest consumer survey are in. This is the latest on the attitudes, preferences, and expectations of different generations on the future of work—especially small businesses.
Employees are prioritizing their wellness in the workplace.
59.1% of respondents saying “work-life balance” is very important to them, while 50.2% thought “benefit offerings” were most important.
Desire for in-person work rising.
In contrast, job seekers are shifting away from fully remote roles, with 19.4% stating that WFH was no longer a priority.
Small businesses are believed to provide better benefits.
Job seekers believe they’ll find their most desired benefits in small businesses (42.7%) as opposed to corporate roles (40.5%). Respondents rated work-life balance, benefit offerings, flexible schedules, positive company culture, and career advancement opportunities as “very important” when it comes to what they want to see in the workplace
Climbing the corporate ladder no longer a priority.
The traditional corporate career path is losing its luster. Formal education is no longer considered a requirement for long-term career success, with only 40.5% of respondents believing a formal education is essential for having a successful career. However, nearly half (48.5%) don’t believe high school or college grads are properly educated on alternative career paths apart from typical corporate roles or “office jobs.”
Views on the gig economy are shifting.
Despite the gig economy’s promises of unparalleled flexibility, just 16.8% of respondents think a gig job will check all their benefit boxes. ——— Homebase Co-Founders John Waldmann and Rushi Patel are available to discuss how workplace preferences are shifting and how organizations can use these insights to create a workplace culture that meets the needs and desires of today's workers. About Homebase Homebase makes work easier for 100,000+ small (but mighty) businesses with everything they need to build unstoppable hourly teams: employee scheduling, time clocks, payroll, team communication, hiring, onboarding, and compliance. We’re an all-in-one team management app built for the busiest businesses, so owners and employees can spend less time on bullsh*t and more time on what matters. Learn more at joinhomebase.com.Survey Methodology: 1,000 people aged 18+ nationwide Media Contact: SourceCode Communications homebase@sourcecodecomms.com
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Kerry Mccreadie
Kerry McCreadie is the Senior Manager of Organic Growth at Homebase, where they lead SEO, content strategy, and educational resources designed to help small businesses with hourly teams run better. Since joining Homebase in 2024, Kerry has focused on creating accessible, actionable content that addresses the real challenges small business owners face every day.
With over 10 years of experience in small business marketing—spanning roles at Yellow Pages, FreshBooks, Personify, and Homebase—Kerry has developed hundreds of templates and resources for small business owners, partnered with Google to help small charities access grant programs for paid marketing, and built education programs that deliver just-in-time learning when business owners need it most.
Kerry doesn't just market to small businesses—they live it. They've run an arts and culture nonprofit for over a decade, previously operated their own photography business, and started their career in the trenches of small retail, working their way up from inventory management to sales floor to keyholder. This hands-on experience informs everything they create, ensuring Homebase's content speaks to the realities of running a small business.
Remember: This is not legal advice. If you have questions about your particular situation, please consult a lawyer, CPA, or other appropriate professional advisor or agency.
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