An opinion piece by Work.Life’s Social & Content Executive
A recent Times survey found that only 10% of Gen Z want to work in an office full-time, and over half admitted they’re lazier than their parents’ generation. While some will take this as another excuse to call us out of touch or unmotivated, the reality is more complicated. Gen Z was thrown into remote learning, online jobs, and a world that shifted to digital-first practically overnight. We’ve adapted – but at what cost?
I’m Gen Z, I understand the appeal of working from home. No morning commute, wearing comfy clothes, and the ability to work from your bed? Sounds like a dream. But let’s be real – staying behind a screen all day, every day, isn’t just affecting our productivity; it’s making us lonelier, less confident, and missing out on the invaluable lessons that come from in-person work.
One of the biggest losses? Third spaces.
For previous generations, offices were just one piece of a larger puzzle of social environments. People had community centres, churches, libraries, and even shopping centres as gathering places. Today, those spaces are disappearing, and many young people are left with only two options: home and work. If work is remote, that means home is the only space left. And when you mix loneliness with isolation, it becomes a recipe for stunted confidence, fewer career opportunities, and a serious impact on mental well-being.
The pandemic only made this worse. For Gen Z, many of us entered university or the workforce during Covid-19, a time when everything moved online out of necessity. We didn’t have the experience of casual office chats, spontaneous collaborations, or the chance to observe and learn from senior colleagues in real-time. Instead, we got Zoom fatigue, Slack messages, and a sense of disconnect that’s hard to shake. And now, years later, remote work is no longer an emergency measure – it’s become the norm for many. But we never got the chance to develop workplace confidence in the first place, and we’re feeling the effects.
I know this firsthand. I once worked a fully remote role, and while I was productive, something always felt off, so off that I asked for a coworking membership in my city. Even without my actual team around, I needed people to talk to, a space to go to, and a sense of routine that didn’t revolve around my bedroom. That small change made all the difference in my motivation, confidence, and ability to engage with work in a meaningful way.
This is why I believe a workplace community – whether at Work.Life or elsewhere – is essential. It’s about more than just a desk and a Wi-Fi connection; it’s about learning from colleagues in passing conversations, getting feedback in real time, and building the kind of relationships that turn into mentorships, friendships, and career opportunities. Work is not just about the tasks we complete, it’s about who we become along the way.
If I had stayed entirely remote, I wouldn’t have developed the confidence to speak up in meetings. I wouldn’t have learned how to read the room or build relationships beyond Slack messages. And I definitely wouldn’t have met colleagues who challenge me, support me, and make work actually enjoyable.
And the reality is, we need more than just work. Many young people are struggling with loneliness and mental health challenges at unprecedented rates. The workplace, when done right, can be a crucial community space; one that fosters support, socialisation, and personal growth.
So while Gen Z might say they want to work from home, I’d argue many of us don’t fully understand what we’re missing. Yes, flexibility is important. But so is human connection. We need to start rethinking the way we balance both – because confidence, careers, and community aren’t built in isolation.