The hot tea on Creativity with Phe☕️ Episode 2: Is Gen Z ready to ditch the office?

Are physical workplaces sliding down Gen Z’s list of requirements when looking for potential jobs?

The absence of physical workplaces over the pandemic coupled with Gen Z’s seamless understanding of technology has encouraged this generation of workers to look for jobs with flexibility of in person/ remote working.

For Gen Z, it’s not necessarily about having a fully remote job, but having flexibility and choice with working from home or in the office.

Reports published by various institutions show different findings when it comes to what Gen Z prefer regarding the workplace. Workforce solutions company Aquent found that “77% of 18- to 24-year-olds are worried that remote work restricts their career progression”. Whereas, a November report by the Policy Institute at King’s College found that “Gen Zers… believed remote working had benefits that could help their career progression”.

While there is no right or wrong answer to cater to the differing opinions Gen Z has on the physical workplace, the availability of choice appears to be the best option for this generation to thrive.

Even though reports from different institutions highlight that choice around in person/ remote working is best for Gen Z, this flexibility has been met with criticism.

When Gen Z enter the world of work, they, like any age group, consider many factors. Transitioning from university, apprenticeships, school/ college etc to a full-time role can be a shock to the system, so a good work/life balance is often at the top of the list for this generation. It is not laziness or lack of commitment to a job that makes Gen Z value flexibility, but having a good work/ life balance creates a happier and better employee. This balance can be created in many ways, but flexibility to choose where you best thrive enables a better balance.

However, is it all about work/ life balance or is there more to consider?

What is clear is that Gen Z prefer being given the space to choose, but will choice stunt their career growth?

The lack of in person communication in remote/ hybrid work can be argued to have a negative impact on career growth. The loss of daily face-to-face conversation may reduce chances to make connection, leading to less development opportunities. However, Professor Bobby Duffy, director of the Policy Institute at King’s College London argues that “our study shows that younger workers don’t share these concerns to the same extent as older workers”. Growing up in the digital age has enabled Gen Z to make meaningful connections online and this same knowledge can be applied to the remote/ hybrid workspace.

A virtual workplace also allows this generation of workers to use technology to “flatten hierarchies to allow them to ask questions, put themselves forward and build connections” (King’s College Policy Institute) due to Gen Z’s comfort in digital spaces.

Flexibility and giving Gen Z choice with the workplace might not be something many employers have considered. However, as no one size fits all, employers must review their work policy to reflect the wants and needs of the Gen Z employees to provide an environment where they can thrive.


SOURCE:
https://www.worklife.news/spaces/in-office-or-remote-work-which-do-gen-zers-really-prefer-for-career-progression/