Why some younger workers prefer in-office over remote work

"After years of post-pandemic remote and hybrid schedules, more and more workers are being called back to the office at least part-time, especially in finance and tech. For corporations like JPMorgan, Amazon, AT&T, and Dell, it's five days a week, in-person. But according to new research from economists at the New York Fed and several universities, that's not all bad news for those who've enjoyed more work flexibility, particularly for younger workers."

"Primarily, like Milk Studios, we are a hub for anything to create a space for you to have an event. On the back end, it's bringing everyone in, and next day we have a shoot, right? So it's like we have to make it look as if an event was never there. So my job is basically to protect space, and then at the end of the day, just make sure the client's happy."

Return-to-office orders have grown after pandemic-era remote and hybrid schedules, with major firms in finance and tech requiring full in-person attendance. Research from economists at the New York Fed and several universities finds younger workers often welcome more office time, valuing informal mingling, networking, and believing remote work can hurt career progression. Many younger employees perceive on-site presence as a path to opportunities and relationship building. Example: 29-year-old event coordinator Skye Atondo describes working primarily on-site for Milk Studios, coordinating events, protecting and resetting spaces, and enjoying social interaction and the routine of showing up in person.

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