Does Gen Z question the wisdom of returning to the office? Results of the research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic on the youngest generation of employees

Abstract

PURPOSE: The main goal of the article is to identify premises influencing the decisions of young employees regarding the choice of the form of work organization after their experience of remote work in an uncertain time of SARS-CoV-2.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The authors conducted a diagnostic survey with a survey questionnaire. The questionnaire was carried out using the CAWI method. It was filled in by 310 respondents who represent Generation Z, are professionally active and worked remotely during the pandemic.

FINDINGS: The surveyed employees - representatives of Generation Z, adapted very well to the conditions of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of this form of work organization, they have different experiences, both positive and negative. However, they do not allow for an unequivocal answer to the question: Are the young question returning to the office? For many, remote work will remain an attractive and the most desirable solution. In their opinion, companies offering it to employees will be more competitive than other organizations. The representatives of Gen Z are also aware of some benefits that can be brought by working at the company's premises, especially when they are just starting their professional careers. Considering the above opinions of Gen Z employees, many companies decide to use indirect solutions - a hybrid work organization, combining the advantages of remote and stationary work.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Leaders today are facing an unprecedented, challenging situation: how to understand, lead, manage, and motivate Generation Z working remotely. The research results shall contribute to the debate on what young employees (Gen Z) expect, need, and want in a remote work environment. The research based-understanding of these is a pivotal step to leading them effectively and making appropriate and satisfactory choices for all interested parties regarding current and future forms of work organization.