Remote, Hybrid or On-site? What candidates are telling us in 2025

We speak with tech professionals across Ontario every single week - from engineers to data scientists, DevOps leads to CTOs. This report captures what they're really saying about where they want to work in 2025, why it matters, and what hiring teams need to know to stay competitive.

What the Numbers Say

• 78% of tech candidates say they will 'only consider' roles with remote or hybrid flexibility.

• Onsite-only roles see a 4X higher candidate drop-off rate after first-round interviews.

• 42% of Ontario-based engineers say they've ghosted a job process because the in-office policy wasn't disclosed early.

• 63% of candidates rank 'flexibility' above salary in terms of deal-breakers when considering new roles.

• 71% of mid-to-senior engineers say they are more productive in remote-first environments.

5 Key Insights from the Field

Remote Isn't Just a Perk Anymore

It's a baseline expectation for most tech professionals. Candidates assume flexibility - and will bail fast if it's not there.

Hybrid Needs Structure

'Two days a week in office' isn't enough. Top candidates want to know what days, why it matters, and how leadership supports it.

Onsite? Make It Worth It

For fully in-office roles, culture and mission need to be magnetic. We're talking serious team energy, mentorship, or product intensity.

Communicate Early

The best candidates drop out when work model expectations are unclear or hidden until offer stage.

Retention = Flexibility + Clarity

The companies keeping great people in 2025 are the ones being honest, intentional, and team-first about how work happens.