The latest UCI-OC Poll surveyed 800 Orange County adults about their remote work preferences, attitudes toward artificial intelligence and overall job satisfaction. Dean Jon Gould, director of the UCI-OC Poll, explains the results at Orange County's State of the County Luncheon today. Below photo includes elected officials and business leaders at the event. Photos by Mimi Ko Cruz
Latest survey explores Orange County employee views
The School of Social Ecology today released the results of its latest UCI-OC Poll, shedding light on the changing nature of work in Orange County two years after the official end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conducted from June 20 to July 1, 2025, the survey of 800 Orange County adults offers insights into remote work preferences, attitudes toward artificial intelligence and overall job satisfaction – providing valuable insights for business leaders and policymakers navigating the county’s evolving work landscape.
Results include:
- 74 percent of Orange County workers are satisfied with their work.
- 52 percent of workers desire a hybrid work schedule most or all of the time.
- 71 percent of workers find AI helpful, with 57 percent saying it makes them more productive.
- 70 percent of residents believe AI needs more regulation.
“Our findings indicate that Orange County’s workforce is adapting to the new normal, with a strong preference for flexibility in work arrangements,” said Jon Gould, dean of the School of Social Ecology and director of the UCI-OC Poll. “While remote work isn’t feasible for all jobs, it’s clear that employees value the option when available.”
Gould presented the findings today at the 2025 State of the County Luncheon in Newport Beach.
“Jon’s comments today were so insightful about what's going on in Orange County. The results of the survey are different from what most of us would expect,” said Jeff Olsen, an Orange County resident and financial advisor and a social ecology alumnus, who attended the luncheon with scores of business and community leaders and elected officials.
Jennifer Friend, another social ecology alumna and CEO of Project Hope Alliance, said she was surprised by the latest poll’s findings.
“I'm greatly encouraged by Orange County workers’ overall job satisfaction,” she said. “I thought there would be more of a desire to look for other jobs and opportunities coming out of the pandemic. I had a perception and the media puts out a perception that there's a huge generational gap in job satisfaction but the data doesn't support that, which is great.”
The poll also reveals that while many workers are comfortable with their current positions, there’s a willingness to relocate for remote work opportunities.
“Interestingly, 41 percent of those who work in person or hybrid would leave Orange County if they got a remote job,” Gould noted. “This highlights the importance of work flexibility in talent retention for local businesses.”
Regarding AI, the poll shows a mix of optimism and concern.
“While most workers find AI helpful and productivity-enhancing, there’s a widespread belief that it could lead to job losses,” Gould explained. “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.
“We're seeing a disconnect between how people view their personal and economic situation versus the broader economy,” Gould said. “This resilience is a positive sign for Orange County’s business climate.”
The UCI-OC Poll, conducted by the School of Social Ecology, provides reliable survey data on issues confronting Orange County residents. It also brings business leaders together with elected officials and community members to discuss workable responses to these problems. For more information about the poll, visit sites.uci.edu/ocpoll.