Gen Z has arrived in the workforce, and they’re ushering in a brand-new vision of what work looks like. Born between 1997 and 2012, this group is already making waves in offices (virtual and otherwise) worldwide. Armed with a digital-first skillset and a bold, values-first approach to life, Gen Z’s changing what it means to work in the modern world. And, for this group, flex work is absolutely non-negotiable.
The youngest members of today’s workforce are defining flexibility in a new way: autonomy and personal growth. They want to align work with a meaningful life. If businesses want to attract and retain the next generation of leaders and makers, they need to rethink outdated models of work. It begs asking: what does Gen Z really want—and how can employers give it to them?
Gen Z: Digital-First, With New Priorities
Raised with smartphones in hand and social media at their fingertips, Gen Z is the first generation of true digital natives. They’ve never known a world without Wi-Fi or a workplace without Slack. But aside from the tech-savviness, this group is values-driven. This generation cares deeply about purpose, inclusivity, and work-life balance, they will not compromise on these principles.
Gen Z believes in working smart and living well—values that mirror the benefits of flexible work policies. And they’re serious about staying true to these social mores. Deloitte’s 2023 Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey revealed that 77% of Gen Z respondents currently in remote or hybrid roles would look for a new job if their employer called for a return to the office full- time.
With older generations, flexibility was a perk rather than a foundational necessity, and this is where the shift becomes clear. For Gen Z, flex work isn’t just about the freedom to work; it’s about the freedom to live.
Why Flex Work Tops Gen Z’s Career Wishlist
For Gen Z, flexibility isn’t simply about skipping the commute or sleeping in a little longer (although they’ll gladly take both). A flexible work environment prioritizes their well-being and fosters creativity. They want:
Autonomy: Freedom to choose where and how they work best.
Variety: A mix of environments to keep their days engaging.
Balance: The ability to log off and focus on personal wellness, hobbies, and more.
In a 2023 McKinsey report, Gen Z employees said they care about a flexible workplace environment just as much as they care about the work they’re actually doing. These satisfied employees stay longer, work harder, and innovate more. In turn, the businesses they work for gain a clear competitive edge in retention and creative problem-solving.
Flexibility as a Core Strategy, Not a Perk
Companies that treat flexibility like a seasonal trend are missing the point; flex work is becoming a mainstay in workplace culture. Businesses need to adapt or get left behind. Gen Z may be the loudest voice pushing for flexibility, but its benefits extend to everyone. Employees across all generations are showing greater engagement, retention, and loyalty when they’re given room to work on their terms.
Consider this: companies that offer flexible work policies report higher productivity and greater retention, according to Gallup. And those numbers aren’t exclusive to Gen Z—they reflect the entire workforce. When flexibility is woven into the organizational fabric, it creates a culture of trust and respect. It gives entire teams an incentive for high performance. And yes, it’s a competitive advantage, too! Employers offering meaningful flexibility are better positioned to win over top talent in tight labor markets.
How to Adapt: Practical Steps for Flexible Work Policies
So, how can employers give employees what they want? It’s one thing to say, “let’s be flexible;” it’s another to implement it in a way that works for everyone. With flexibility in mind, there are ways businesses can meet Gen Z’s expectations while remaining inclusive to a multigenerational workforce.
Enable Freedom of Choice with Deskpass
Flexibility doesn’t have to mean confusion. Deskpass makes it easy to offer employees access to thousands of coworking spaces, empowering location flexibility while maintaining collaboration and community. By giving teams access to great spaces near where they want to work, Deskpass helps you keep employees productive and connected—whether they need a quiet desk for focused work or a collaborative environment for brainstorming sessions.
Experiment with Hybrid Schedules
Hybrid work models blend the best of both worlds: structured in-office time for team collaboration and remote work for focus days. Some companies have also experimented with a 4-day work week, to surprising success. Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Let teams and individual workers determine schedules that maximize productivity and satisfaction.
Offer Tailored Options
Not everyone wants the same thing. Some employees thrive fully remote, while others need the buzz of an office. And then there’s Gen Z, who often prefer a blend of coworking environments and flexible schedules. Provide a menu of options—remote-first, coworking memberships, or office-based—and empower employees to choose what fits their lives. This can be particularly effective for multigenerational teams.
Set Clear Guidelines
Flexibility thrives on clarity. Define expectations for communication, availability, and deliverables to ensure everyone stays aligned. Tools like Slack, Trello, Zoom, and more, can keep teams connected, no matter where they’re working. A little communication can really work wonders in maintaining team cohesion.
Flexibility is the Future
As Gen Z continues to grow in influence, flexible work isn’t going anywhere. Companies that don’t adapt risk alienating not just this new generation of talent but employees across the board. Flexibility isn’t just about letting people work from home, either; it’s about designing a workplace culture that values autonomy, trust, and adaptability.
What’s your first step toward a more flexible workplace? Start by assessing your current policies. Are they meeting the needs of your workforce? If not, it’s time to rethink. Launching a pilot program with Deskpass is an easy, impactful way to start. Give your employees access to coworking spaces, experiment with hybrid schedules, and gather feedback to fine-tune your approach. Gen Z isn’t waiting—and neither should you.
Get a complimentary $250 Deskpass credit when you sign up for a Teams account today.