Young workers are wary of letting go of the flexibility remote working offers, but are also fearful of stalling their careers if they do not want to return to the workplace full-time.
Experienced employees have already established their own professional network, but young workers have stated that the pandemic has left them out of the loop.
In fact, a survey by Sharp Corp., found that 60% of 6,000 of respondents said that working in a modern office environment has become increasingly important over the past year. However, the majority of those under 30 have stated that remote working has resulted in higher productivity levels.
“I think the ability to make those connections and network has been more difficult,” said Sophia McCully, a 28-year-old working in public policy research.
McCully added that working from home has also allowed her to balance time with her child and her professional career, something she wants in the future.
Another survey from Citrix revealed that over 60% of workers aged 18 to 40 want some sort of hybrid arrangements moving forward.
“I think the office is critical. The key question is why and what for?” said Michael Smets, Professor of Management at Oxford’s Saïd Business School.
The future of the workplace has been about collaboration and connection, so shifting the purpose of the office while still valuing the benefits of remote working will be crucial to a healthy workforce.