ONE in two would considering quitting their job if their workplace forced them to go back into the office permanently as Christmas parties could also be a thing of the past.

The great return to the office is on the horizon and getting closer, with all social restrictions set to end on June 21.

However, while a reunion with colleagues might be welcome, a full time return to the physical workplace is enough to actually put people off their jobs.

According to new research by flatsharing site SpareRoom, 46% of over 2,000 18-40 year olds surveyed believe they would call it a day if their employer doesn’t allow remote working post-pandemic.

Meanwhile, a clear majority (60%) have changed the job attributes they now find important and almost two thirds (63%) have a new attitude towards work.

Of those that are employed and have had the option to 'WFH' (81%), there is a clear preference going forward for a continuation of home working or for a hybrid of working partially at home and from the office (72% combined). This compares to 28% that prefer working exclusively from the office.

Notwithstanding the possible resignation-inducing prospect of five days a week in the office, the most undesirable feature of a job now happens to be the office party.

As part of the research, SpareRoom asked young people to rank features of a job based on how important they are.

The loser was a job with regular social events, suggesting that many are not yet ready to re-embrace the old socially intimate culture of afterwork drinks and the annual Christmas knees-up.

On the other hand, the features of a job that 18-40 year olds now covet more than anything else are pay, a good work-life balance and the knowledge that their work has a purpose.

Matt Hutchinson, SpareRoom Director, said: “Work is one of the cornerstones of our lives and Covid has forced people to question their relationship with their job.

"That means, for many, the most desirable job is now one that offers security, a good work-life balance and of course the ability to work from home - even if not all of the time.

"Spending five days a week in the office, however, is particularly unattractive - to the extent that half would consider moving jobs if faced with this situation."