There is no one-size-fits-all hybrid work strategy. Although the base of this model is seen as an ideal choice for both employees and employers, the amount of time spent in the office and home may be causing a divide.
In fact, a survey from Deloitte found that twice as many workers who are under the age of 35 want permanent flexible work arrangements post-pandemic compared to those over 55.
“The disparity between older and younger generations of the workforce returning to the office is likely to be a reflection of the preferred working arrangements of different age groups, particularly younger workers’ receptiveness to change,” said Shivani Maitra, consulting partner at Deloitte.
One of the most significant reasons that workers may be resistant to returning to the office is prioritizing their families and work-life balance over their jobs.
Still, some workers are concerned about losing career progression opportunities when working remotely, especially as research indicates that being in-person is more likely to lead to promotions.
“There already seems to be an alarming division between those young who want to get back into the office and those who want to remain at home or take advantage of very flexible working,” said Jamie Beaumont, founder and CEO of Playter Pay. “Within social channels, it seems to be creating a ‘them and us’ culture which is going to be hard to eradicate.”
