Changing workplace | Gen Z workers demand a flexible working week

If you’re looking to attract younger workers and you’re not already offering flexible working, then you should – according to new research by the Kantar consultancy. Their research found that 85% of Generation Z employees (aged between 18 and 24) and 85% of Millennials (aged between 25 and 39) said that flexible home working policies are one of their top considerations when looking for work.

In comparison, only 66% of Baby Boomers (aged 56 to 75) felt that this kind of flexibility was a number one priority.

However, the research also found that, although the younger generations placed more value on working from home policies, they were more likely to come into the office. Generation Z workers said they wanted to spend an average of 56% of their working week at home compared with 60% among Millennials, 58% among Generation X, who are aged 40 to 55, and 63% among Boomers, The Times reported.

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Lead by example | What bosses need to know to manage their Gen Z staff

Generation Z’s desire to go into a place of work isn’t as surprising as it may seem from such a digital-focused generation. It’s been well-documented that remote work can lead to loneliness, which affects Generation Z as much as any other generation. A large percentage of our social interactions have traditionally taken place at work – as much as 75%, according to some studies – with our place of work also a place where we can form meaningful friendships and relationships, as well as learning and personal growth. With remote working increasingly normalised, Generation Z risks missing out on this – which may be why 90% of Generation Z respondents reported wanting some form of human element woven into their work and team interactions in a 2018 survey.