"Work-Life Balance? I'll Just Go to Work"…US Gen Z Rejects Remote Work [World is Z Gold]

Generation Z Welcomes Returning to the Office
"More Opportunities to Learn and Grow at Work"
Amazon, JP Morgan, and Others End Remote Work Policies

Editor's NoteGeneration Z (those born from the late 1990s to the early 2010s) is gaining attention as a generation that leads culture and trends in a rapidly changing era, setting new standards across society. In [The World is Z Gold], we aim to shed light on the lives and values of Generation Z worldwide and explore how they are transforming society.

Until a few years ago, American Gen Z workers, who valued work-life balance and preferred remote (work-from-home) work, are now showing a positive attitude toward returning to the office after the COVID-19 endemic (periodic outbreaks of infectious diseases). They seem to highly value office work for reasons such as direct interaction with colleagues and career growth opportunities.

The American current affairs weekly Newsweek recently cited a survey by FTI Consulting, reporting that voices favoring office work are increasing, especially among Generation Z. According to a survey conducted by FTI Consulting of 1,000 American workers, 74% of remote workers said they would consider changing jobs if forced to return to the office. Similarly, 62% of hybrid workers expressed the same stance, showing resistance to mandatory office returns.

However, by age group, 42% of Generation Z responded that they "welcome returning to the office." Another 33% said they "can accept returning to the office." This contrasts with Generation X (born in the late 1960s to 1970s), who showed relatively lower response rates of 33% and 25%, respectively, to the same question.

A survey found that Generation Z workers in the United States prefer working in the office. Photo by Pixabay

This indicates that Generation Z values the advantages of office work more highly than older generations. Julia Yates (26), a recruitment consultant working in New York, stated that office work is essential for learning and growing within an organization. She said, "Collaboration happens actively in the office, naturally providing many learning opportunities, which leads to growth. On the other hand, Generation X may feel less need because they have already established their positions at work."

Paige Kylie Maxwell (28), living in Austin, Texas, enjoyed a flexible work environment while working remotely from 2022 to 2024. However, over time, she revealed that interpersonal relationships became disconnected, and forming new relationships became difficult. She said, "It was challenging to adapt after switching to in-person work in 2023, but I do not regret it."

In other words, Generation Z, having experienced remote work during the pandemic, felt issues such as social isolation, limitations in career growth, and lack of networking. Accordingly, they seem to have become more aware of the importance of returning to the office. HR consultant Natalie Norpus analyzed, "Generation Z, who are just starting their careers, are likely to value face-to-face mentoring, networking, and interaction with colleagues. They perceive the office as a space for learning and collaboration, as well as a place to showcase their presence."

Of course, not all Generation Z members prefer returning to the office. Some Gen Z workers believe that office work is not necessarily the best choice. In particular, many argue that remote work, which guarantees autonomy and flexibility in tasks, can actually increase productivity. Kim Parker, research director at the American polling organization Pew Research Center, said in an interview with CNBC, "Policies for returning to the office are gradually expanding," adding, "Many people cite maintaining work-life balance as the biggest advantage of remote work."

Meanwhile, major U.S. companies are gradually reducing or withdrawing work-from-home policies. Amazon, the world's largest e-commerce company, completely abolished its remote work policy last year. Amazon allowed remote work during the COVID-19 period but switched to a system requiring at least three days a week in the office from May 2023, and from this year, the principle is five days a week in the office. Global investment bank JP Morgan and IT company Dell Technologies have implemented a five-day office workweek starting this month.

Previously, former U.S. President Donald Trump also banned federal employees from working remotely and ordered them to return to the office. On the 11th, President Trump stated, "I think working from home is impossible," claiming, "They will go out or play tennis and golf. They will not work."