Return-to-office | Flexibility is all Gen Z has ever known - don't deter them with RTO mandates

By now, you probably understand Gen Z a little better than you did a year ago. We know that those at the start of their career operate differently in the market to any other generation. They prioritise the brand of their employer, flexibility and their own mental health, more than things like salary and perks.

Young professionals are also typically at a job for an average of one-to-two years before moving elsewhere, markedly different to their older peers, where it wouldn’t be uncommon for an employee to be at a company for ten-plus years.

This generation is an enigma to employers, many of whom are struggling to effectively attract and retain early careers talent. But if businesses don’t understand this generation, and quickly, they might be left behind – especially because Gen Z are set to make up over a quarter (27%) of the global workforce by next year.

Fear not, there are some obvious things you can do to be more attractive to younger workers. However, return-to-office mandates aren’t one of them.