A survey of 1,000 American workers finds Gen Z views the office primarily as a social hub and reports higher loneliness than older generations. Thirty-eight percent of Gen Z employees say they feel lonely at work; 86% want more company social events, 72% value workplace friendships, and 56% expect employers to provide social opportunities like happy hours and retreats. Only 15% prefer fully remote work while 68% favor hybrid arrangements. Eighty-five percent say work friends increase engagement, which correlates with higher productivity, greater innovation, and improved retention. Free lunch emerges as the top perk to drive on-site attendance.
38% of Gen Z employees report feeling lonely at work, and their desire for connection is clear: 86% wish their company offered more events where they can socialize, 72% say it's important to them to have friendships at work and 56% now expect their company to provide these opportunities. Their top wish-list items are social events like happy hours and team retreats.
This may be why only 15% of Gen Z prefer a fully remote work arrangement, with a strong majority (68%) preferring a hybrid arrangement. For this generation, building friendships at work is not just a social nicety; it's critical for professional success, as 85% of Gen Z employees say having work friends makes them feel more engaged. Engagement is a proven driver of key business outcomes, including higher productivity, greater innovation, and employee retention.
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