Gen Z workers are socialising more after returning to the office, study suggests

Almost one in three Generation Z employees say they are socialising more with colleagues since returning to the office more often, according to a new poll from career transition firm Careerminds UK. The survey of 600 UK employees found that 31.7 percent of Gen Z respondents said they socialise more with colleagues now they are spending more time in the workplace. Among millennials, the figure was 17.7 percent. The research was published during International Youth Employment Week and examined how employees’ workplace habits have changed since the return to office and hybrid working.

According to the survey, younger employees were also more likely to report forming new workplace friendships and spending more time interacting with colleagues in person than older generations.

Careerminds UK managing director Raymond Lee said the findings suggested that younger workers value the opportunities for social interaction provided by the workplace. “The idea that Gen Z wants to work from home all the time simply isn’t borne out by our research,” he said. “Many younger employees want flexibility, but they also want to build relationships, learn from colleagues and feel part of a workplace community.”

The study also examined wider workplace behaviours across different age groups, including work-life balance, the ability to switch off outside working hours and attitudes towards hybrid working. Careerminds said the findings indicate that experiences of office working differ between generations, with younger employees reporting higher levels of social interaction following the return to the workplace.

The research was based on responses from 600 UK employees across different age groups.