Why the Power of Proximity Matters for Young Workers

Partner Content

25 Jul 2023

Is Gen Z drawing the short straw when it comes to remote working? The Gen Z workforce — those born between 1997 and 2012 — are pushing back on remote working with less than 29% wanting to avail of it.

Perhaps it’s not that surprising. During Covid, many young workers had no choice but to launch their careers from their childhood bedrooms.

First-day welcome lunches were the boujee stuff of legend. HR orientation days were reduced to virtual introductions and company manuals emailed as PDFs.

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Some graduates have yet to experience the blind panic of working the printer on day one or making a call from their desk in an open-plan office. However, the removal of such rites of passage has resulted in important soft skills development being placed on the back burner.

With remote working, simple yet important things like going for after-work drinks or running a project by a more senior colleague are a logistical struggle, and it appears Gen Z is missing out.

Feedback is fundamental

Graduates and younger workers are removed from the synergies of in-person working and are paying the price. Research shows that 38% of remote workers are less likely to be given bonuses despite clocking up 50% more overtime than their in-office peers.

It’s not just bank balances taking the beating, mentoring is missing too. Career-boosting encounters with your boss can be off the table if you’re not sat at the same one.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon claimed that working remotely “does not work” for young people or “those who want to hustle.” This is a strong stance, but research shows that young people are becoming less motivated and increasingly disconnected from their jobs while working remotely.

Predecessor perks

For those suited, working from home can have many upsides —Almost half of all millennials prefer remote working. Unlike their younger Gen Z counterparts, Millennials have had the pre-pandemic experience of working fully onsite and in person having built social capital in the workplace.

They’ve also had the chance to compare both work models and adapt to what works best for career progression and quality of life. Millennials have embraced remote working as they had the opportunity to experience both options and make an informed choice.

Craving community

Young workers are clearly craving interaction. Seventy-four percent of Gen Z workers said they would miss having an office community if work was to go fully remote. The concern around career advancement is also very real with 41% worried about missing out on important mentoring opportunities.

Research from McKinsey & Co showcased 60% of high schoolers were concerned about feeling lonely, anxious, or stressed about the prospect of working primarily from home as they’d struggle to be part of a team.

Bryan Hancock, the global head of talent at McKinsey, weighed in on the importance of building relationships and communication skills to help you feel more connected “Having lunch with co-workers or dropping into your boss’s office are valuable interactions that help you have more fun and make a bigger impact because you’re more connected to all the folks that are there,” he shared.

Source: Shutterstock

Thankfully many employers are still focused on fostering togetherness with an in-person workplace.

If you’re looking for a role in a company with a strong sense of community, we’ve rounded up three exciting roles on the Study International Job Board that are based on-site or with an option for hybrid working, if and when you need it.

Audit Intern | Multiple Locations Winter 2024, KPMG, New York

Known for being a great place to work and build a career, KPMG provides audit, tax and advisory services for organizations in today’s most important industries and is seeking an Audit Intern to join its Audit Services team. In this role you will develop an understanding of client-specific risks through the review of financial results of the client, relevant external information, current business trends and specific client transactions. See more information here.

Entry Level Sales, Clean Energy Consultants, Philadelphia

Are you ready to join the solar energy revolution? Clean Energy Consultants is hiring for an Entry Level Sales role, to train in solar sales and eventually promote into leadership. You’ll be trained by some of the top performers in the industry to ensure your success from day one and will then use this training to communicate with customers regarding solar and educate them on products or services. You will also respond to customer inquiries regarding energy programs and policies. Access additional details here.

ICT Systems Engineer Graduate Scheme, Discovery Graduates, Devon, UK

Epwin Group PLC a leading manufacturer of energy-efficient and low-maintenance building products is looking for a candidate to join a dynamic ICT team. There you will develop and improve all elements of the organization’s computer systems. The successful candidate will be self-motivated and capable of working on projects on their own and as part of a wider team. Further information and full job spec can be found here.