The remote work fight isn’t over: Workers are willing to take a major pay cut, up to 25%, Harvard study shows

Fortune

by Sydney Lake

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Six years after the pandemic, the remote work debate continues to heat up as workers demonstrate a strong preference for flexibility over higher pay. A groundbreaking study by Harvard University, Brown University, and UCLA reveals that employees are willing to take a substantial 25% pay cut on average to secure fully remote roles. This finding underscores the growing value of work-life balance and flexibility in today’s job market. The research, conducted between May 2023 and December 2024 with tech professionals via Levels.fyi, analyzed job offers and worker preferences. It found that candidates would forgo significant portions of their income to avoid commuting and maintain remote work options. For instance, a $200,000 in-office role might lose appeal compared to a $150,000 remote position, with the latter being preferred despite a $50,000 salary reduction. This willingness to trade money for flexibility is particularly evident among younger generations: 40% of Gen Z and millennials are open to pay cuts for more work location freedom, according to LinkedIn’s 2025 study. The findings have important implications for businesses. Companies that ignore remote work demands may struggle to attract top talent, as many employees now prioritize flexibility over higher salaries. Employers offering hybrid or fully remote options could gain a competitive edge in recruitment. This shift highlights the evolving nature of workplace expectations and the growing emphasis on quality of life. Laura Roman, a senior talent acquisition manager at Up World, shared an example where a candidate accepted a £7,000 pay cut ($9,300) for a remote role due to its flexibility benefits. This

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Originally published on Fortune on 2/26/2026