Orange County Workers Prefer Remote Jobs And Find AI Helpful

A new University of California Irvine-Orange County (UCI-OC) study found that Orange County’s workforce is embracing flexibility while navigating the rise of artificial intelligence.

The findings presented by the School of Social Ecology at the University of California Irvine is a snapshot of post-pandemic work life with 52 percent of workers saying they prefer a hybrid work schedule most or all of the time.

“Workers believe it gives them greater flexibility to balance their other life duties, they have more time for leisure pursuits, and they feel more productive working from home,” said Jon Gould, the poll’s director and dean of UC Irvine’s School of Social Ecology.

The poll, which was conducted from June 20 to July 1, surveyed 800 Orange County adults about their remote work preferences, attitudes toward artificial intelligence and overall job satisfaction.

What surprised Gould the most is the length that Orange County residents will go to achieve work life balance. Some 41 percent of those who work in person or hybrid would leave Orange County if offered a remote job.

“This was surprising, since half of workers acknowledged that remote work might not be available for their jobs and more than three-quarters of county residents in a prior poll expressed satisfaction with living in Orange County,” Gould told OrangeCountyLawyers.com. “We think this result speaks to concerns about the high cost of living in Orange County.”

Orange County, CA High Cost of Living

Payscale.com found that Orange County’s cost of living is 57% higher than the national average.

Orange County’s largest employers include The Walt Disney Company, the University of California, Irvine, and the Providence health system.

“Flexibility, flexibility, flexibility,” Gould said. “That’s what workers seek.”

Beyond the topic of remote work, the poll explored the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI). Some 71 percent of Orange County workers find AI helpful and 57 percent say it makes them more productive but 70 percent believe AI needs more regulation.

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“While most workers find AI helpful and productivity-enhancing, there’s a widespread belief that it could lead to job losses,” Gould said. “This tension underscores the need for thoughtful integration of AI in the workplace and potential policy considerations.”

Despite economic concerns at the national and state levels, Orange County residents remain cautiously optimistic about local conditions.

They are split evenly in describing their own economics. Some 48% say their personal economic situation is good or excellent compared to 48% who call it not so good or poor.

These results are in marked contrast to resident’s assessment of the nation’s economy with nearly three quarters or 72% of respondents saying the nation’s economy is not so good or poor compared to to just 27 percent calling it good or excellent.

“We’re seeing a disconnect between how people view their personal economic situation versus the broader economy,” Gould added. “This local resilience is a positive sign for Orange County’s business climate.”

Photo Credit: Header – Google ImageFX, Jon Gould – UC Irvine Website