MyNW poll results: Many would consider making less money to work remotely more

In an unscientific poll posted on the MyNorthwest homepage last week, more than 1,200 people weighed in on whether they would consider making less money for the option to work remotely.

The very close results showed 34% of online respondents voted that they should get paid the same no matter where they worked. That matches the 34% that they would be willing to get paid less for the flexibility. The remaining third said it depends on their salary.

This poll about making less money to work remotely ran on the MyNorthwest homepage in late October and early November 2024. (MyNorthwest image)

Remote work poll question came from a KIRO Newsradio discussion

Gee Scott brought up the concept of getting paid less to work remotely more on KIRO Newsradio’s “Seattle’s Morning News” last week.

This suggestion is becoming a significant topic of discussion, particularly in light of recent changes at major companies like Starbucks.

From Gee Scott: ‘Offer to get paid less if you want to work remotely’

Gee, co-host of “The Gee and Ursula Show,” pointed out the growing sentiment that higher-ups often continue to work remotely while rank-and-file employees are being asked to return to the office. This disparity raises questions about fairness and the implications for workplace dynamics.

Gee shared his personal struggle with adapting to corporate America’s demands, he still finds it challenging to defy employer mandates. “If you work for a private company, you better do what they say,” he remarked, emphasizing the power imbalance between employees and employers.

Colleen O’Brien, co-host of “Seattle’s Morning News,” argued that the push for in-person work disproportionately affects women, particularly those with childcare responsibilities. She pointed out that without adequate support for childcare, many women might be forced to leave the workforce or spend a significant portion of their income on childcare. “It’s a women’s issue,” she asserted, highlighting the broader societal implications of such policies.

Corporations have begun calling workers back to the office

Starbucks has informed its corporate employees that they could get fired if they do not come back to the office three days a week.

Related news: Starbucks employees need to be in the office 3 days a week come January

According to reporting by Bloomberg, the company will introduce a “standardized process” starting in January to ensure compliance with this return-to-office policy.

This move represents stricter enforcement of Starbucks’ hybrid work policy, which has been in place for less than two months since Brian Niccol became CEO. Niccol previously mentioned that while employees should work wherever they are most productive, he believes that place is typically the office.