Generation Z workers would prefer to spend an average of 3.4 days per week in the office, more than their Millennial counterparts, according to new research from Savills.
While employees across age groups currently report attending the office about four days a week, Gen Z respondents prefer slightly more in-person time than younger and older Millennials, who favor 3.2 and 3.3 days, respectively. Generation X and Baby Boomers both prefer 3.5 days.
Despite that preference, work-life balance remains important to Gen Z, with every respondent in the group rating it as moderately or extremely important.
Gen Z Places Greater Importance On Public Transit
Reliable Wi-Fi ranks as the most essential office amenity across all generations. However, younger workers place greater importance on public transportation, while access to meeting rooms becomes more important among older respondents.
Commute times may help explain the preference. Nearly half of Gen Z respondents, 46%, said their journeys to work take at least 41 minutes. Savills attributes the longer commutes partly to more affordable housing being concentrated outside city centers.
Gyms And Pilates Studios Rank Highly Near The Office
Restaurants are the most valued nearby amenity across all age groups, but younger workers show stronger interest in gyms and wellness facilities. Gen Z respondents specifically favored gyms and Pilates studios over other options, including health food stores and padel or tennis courts.
The findings suggest that Gen Z values office locations that offer convenient transportation and access to fitness facilities, alongside reliable workplace technology and opportunities for collaboration.
Employers Face Pressure To Give Office Attendance A Purpose
Savills says Gen Z views the workplace as a setting for social interaction, collaboration and early-career development. The generation’s preference for more office days than Millennials also comes alongside its emphasis on work-life balance.
As Gen Z becomes a larger share of the workforce, Savills expects employers and property developers to pay closer attention to differences in workplace preferences across generations.
