Myth: Young workers prefer remote work because they’re the generation most comfortable communicating through screens.

Reality: Many young workers are actively seeking in-person experiences.

One of the first things we’ve discovered in our hybrid workplace study this summer is that early-career professionals light up when they talk about being in the office.
·     They talk about getting to know people.
·     They talk about grabbing half-price apps after work.
·     They talk about learning from colleagues by simply overhearing conversations.
·     They talk about being able to ask a quick question instead of scheduling a meeting.
·     And they talk about getting to know their boss.

Think about it. These are the workers who spent a crucial part of high school staring at screens during lockdowns. They understand the convenience of digital communication but also understand its limitations.

Most recent college graduates know that careers are built on more than scheduled meetings. Informal conversations, quick coaching moments, and everyday interactions help them learn faster, build stronger relationships, and become visible to the people who can open doors. Add in the enthusiasm and energy many early-career employees bring, and it’s easy to see why being together still matters.

This doesn’t mean every young worker should be in the office five days a week. But it does challenge the assumption that early-career employees are automatically best served by fully remote work.

👉 If you’re hiring or managing young professionals, consider how you’re helping them build community, develop relationships, learn the culture, expand their networks, and gain visibility. 👈

Because sometimes the people who grew up communicating through screens are the very people who most appreciate what happens when they’re finally in the same room.