Top Workplaces 2025: Flexible work options produce higher job satisfaction
More employees in Boulder and Denver are working remotely than those in many other U.S. cities, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
While 14% of employees nationwide work from home, the rate is 28% in Boulder and 22% in Denver.
That’s unlikely to change.
Stanford economists Nicholas Bloom and Steven Davis assessed reactions to remote work changes following the return-to-office orders of companies like Amazon. They concluded that these mandates will not significantly impact remote work, and U.S. companies do not anticipate a substantial shift back to the office.
That’s good news for employers because a Pew Research Center survey revealed that 48% of remote workers would seek new jobs if required to return to the office.
Denver area employers continue to offer hybrid options
“We offer a hybrid work environment that entrusts employees with the best approach to work—for them and their team,” said Liz Johnson, publication relations director for Pinnacol Assurance.
“Some team members come in regularly, while others choose to work remotely.”
Kathleen Hoxworth, vice president of communications and talent strategy at Elevations Credit Union, said the credit union has no plans to modify offering hybrid work.
“After the disruption of COVID, we landed on a model that works very well for our staff. Although there are some positions that require employees to be onsite full-time, many of our staff are hybrid with the expectation that they are in the office at least 50% of the time,” Hoxworth said.
“This allows us to balance many employees’ wishes to spend some time working from home with our desire to maintain the strong, relationship-focused culture we’ve worked so hard to create.
Madison & Co. Properties plans to continue offering a flexible work model, said Liliana Mendez, operations manager.
“For Madison, a hybrid approach fosters greater productivity, agent/staff satisfaction, and business growth while ensuring a strong company culture through in-person events and collaboration opportunities.”
Keeping employees happy
Offering flexible options is good for employers and employees.
“For Elevations, it can lead to increased productivity and the ability to attract and retain top talent who value flexibility,” Hoxworth said.
“For employees, working from home offers greater work-life balance, reduced commuting time and expenses, and the flexibility to create a comfortable and personalized work environment. This arrangement can lead to higher job satisfaction and overall well-being, which in turn benefits the business through improved employee engagement and performance.”
Providing flexibility improves employee satisfaction.
“They tell us they are happier, more productive and better able to engage with family, hobbies and other meaningful pursuits and responsibilities,” Johnson said.
Offering a remote work option also presents opportunities to recruit top talent.
“Our work from home options afford us the opportunity to identify the best talent no matter where they are located,” said Julie Wooten, senior vice president of people services for Coral Tree Hospitality.
More employees in Boulder and Denver are working remotely than those in many other U.S. cities, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. While 14% of employees nationwide work from home, the rate is 28% in Boulder and 22% in Denver. That’s unlikely to change. Stanford economists Nicholas Bloom and Steven Davis assessed reactions to remote…