Published on Friday (14 February), the research shows that one in five (17%) young people would like to work from home all of the time and 24% would like to most of the time.
There dangers inherent in working from home five days a week, according to Pete Humphreys, CEO of education services provider, Development Beyond Learning.
He told HR magazine: “Remote working has killed the water-cooler moments, and young professionals miss out on the valuable mentorship and spontaneous learning opportunities that naturally occur in an office setting.
“As for newly employed Gen Z, fresh out of education, decoding the workplace culture successfully becomes difficult with face-to-face interaction reduced.”
Humphreys added that the dynamic caused by young people failing to grasp organisational culture could lead to lower retention rates, misaligned expectations and a further widening of the soft skills gap.
He also said: "We could expect increasing risk of social isolation impacting on young people’s already delicate mental health, and difficulties with building meaningful professional relationships.
Jeanette Wheeler, chief people officer at payroll and finance software provider MHR, said that many young people who are not used to workplace environments may feel more productive and comfortable working from home.
She told HR magazine: “There is no set way to define workforce productivity, but one thing is clear: people become unmotivated if their potential isn’t realised and utilised. Instead of overly focusing on where people should work, employers should focus on how their people work.”
Read more: Working from home risks women's career progress, says Nationwide leader
Gemma Dale, lecturer at the Business and Law school at Liverpool John Moores University, explained that there is an opportunity for organisations to revaluate their workplace strategies.
She told HR magazine: “Should we make the office attractive, or instead recognise this as an opportunity to do things differently?
“Just because the office has been around for decades does not necessarily mean it is the best way to work for now or in the future.”
She added: "Too many people find themselves working in uncomfortable and unsatisfactory environments. Make the office a good place to come to and people may choose to be there."
Read more: How HR can retain Gen Z employees
At the same time, organisations can support and mentor young employees who are working from home, according to Phil Wedgwood, CEO of engagement platform, Engage. He told HR magazine that employers should support and collaborate with their employees, wherever they are based.
“By incorporating a 'phygital' [hybrid physical and digital] approach, we can use tech to complement and enhance the working experience.”
Wheeler agreed, adding: “The workplace continues to be in flux. But to create a truly high-performing business, HR and business leaders must ensure they are prioritising individualised career progression that brings out the best in each employee.”
The Times, in conjunction with YouGov, surveyed 1,161 UK adults aged 18 to 27 in September and October 2024. Interviews and focus groups were also conducted in Birmingham and Wakefield, in collaboration with the opinion research company, Public First.
