Here's Why Gen Z Is Actually Welcoming the Return to Office-And You're Totally Going to Get It

"Remote work became a necessity in 2020, when lockdown orders were in place across the U.S. at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing employees to skip their commute -and complete their daily to-do list from the comfort of their couch. From being able to finish that load of laundry after your morning meeting to taking your dog outside for a midday walk, you don't need us to tell you there's much to love about working from home."

"But now, nearly six years later, most companies want everyone back in the office, much to the dismay of their workers, who have become comfortable working in their sweats and yoga pants. A recent survey released by Jones Lang LaSalle, a global commercial real estate and investment management company, found that 95% of Fortune 100 companies now require employees to adhere to a hybrid or fully in-office policy. The average weekly requirement is 3.9 days in office, a 50% increase from 2023."

"Yet even amid the complaints from those who want to work from home, one generation is actually embracing a schedule that requires in-office attendance on a regular basis. While millennials and Gen X may be resisting such mandates, Gen Z is actually welcoming a shift back to in-person work. "Gen Z professionals are showing strong interest in returning to the office," says Chandelle Fastiggi, head of North American Vertical Strategy at ManpowerGroup."

Remote work became widespread in 2020 as lockdowns allowed employees to skip commutes and work from home with flexible routines. Many employees enjoyed conveniences like handling household tasks between meetings. By 2025, employers are reversing that trend: a large majority of Fortune 100 companies now require hybrid or fully in-office arrangements, averaging 3.9 days on-site per week. Employers' increased on-site mandates contrast with worker preferences, yet Gen Z shows stronger interest in returning to the office than older cohorts. Gen Z's greater willingness for in-person work persists despite high digital fluency and perceived ability to work remotely.

Read at Reader's Digest