Prime Highlights
- Women value remote work, flexibility and work-life balance more than men when choosing jobs.
- The survey found women also report higher workplace stress and greater financial pressure.
Key Facts
- FlexJobs surveyed more than 1,700 US workers for its 2026 report.
- 37% of women ranked remote work as their top job priority.
Background
A new survey by FlexJobs has revealed that even as the importance of salary remains crucial for both women and men, women tend to focus more on factors such as workplace flexibility, working remotely, and work-life balance as important considerations when making their career choices.
The 2026 Women & Men at Work report, which is based on survey data collected from over 1,700 U.S. workers in June, has indicated that salary becomes an important consideration for 66 percent of women and 68 percent of men while applying for a job.
Compared to 70% of males, about 78% of women stated that remote work choices influence their decision to apply for a job. Flexible schedules were important to 64% of women, against 49% of men. Moreover, work-life balance was more important for women, with 55% citing it as a crucial factor versus 48% of men. Health insurance, vacation days and retirement plans were valued by 46% of women and 39% of men.
When it came to choosing the single most important aspect of their job, 37% of women picked working from home, whereas for 24% it was the salary. For men, the salary took the first position with 31%, and remote work was second with 30%.
It also revealed that women attach more importance to workplace recognition and career development. About 73% noted that being recognized motivates them to work, versus 60% of men, and for 58% it is the chance to grow.
Women experienced more workplace stress and money problems. About 33% said they often feel stressed at work compared with 24% of men, while 87% said rising living costs had affected their finances, compared with 80% of men.
