The youngest U.S. workers, ages 18 to 24, are the least likely to prefer fully remote work, according to a May 6 article from McKinsey.
The findings stem from a survey of 9,560 U.S. adults conducted Aug. 5-27. Just 36% of respondents in the youngest cohort expressed enthusiasm for remote work, compared to 59% of respondents 25 to 34 years old.
Although Generation Z workers — the oldest age 28 — do largely value flexibility, a separate 2024 survey found that quality company culture ranks as their top workplace priority.
The reasoning for Gen Z’s desire for both in-office work and flexibility could stem from an interest in meaningful work and relationship-building — elements that can be harder to cultivate virtually. This ties into an interest in mentorship and career progression, according to a May 20 McKinsey newsletter.
