Generation Z, once the most enthusiastic advocates of remote working, are increasingly seeking out office-based roles to combat feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
New research from Bupa’s Wellbeing Index shows that almost 40 per cent of 16- to 24-year-olds feel lonely or isolated because of the nature of their work, a rate significantly higher than the 24 per cent reported across the wider workforce.
For many who began their careers during the pandemic, the absence of in-person contact has left them missing out on the vital social networks that previous generations built in the workplace. The study suggests that this lack of community is pushing young workers back towards traditional office jobs, even at the expense of flexibility.
‘I realised I needed people around me’
Tom Brown, 24, a PR assistant from Sandbanks, Dorset, said he decided to move away from remote working because of the toll it was taking on his wellbeing.
“While there were upsides to working remotely, the downside was the limitations on social interaction,” he said. “I’ve now learnt I’m not prepared to compromise on this. When looking for a new job, I specifically applied for roles with a physical office where I have supportive colleagues, can socialise at lunchtimes and meet friends in the evenings. My well-being is already improving as a result.”
His experience mirrors the wider trend identified in the survey, with 45 per cent of young employees saying they had considered moving to jobs offering more social interaction, compared with just 27 per cent of the overall population.
Rising mental health concerns
Dr Naveen Puri, medical director of Bupa UK, warned that loneliness in the workplace has significant implications for both physical and mental health.
“Loneliness can have a devastating impact on our mental and physical health, with knock-on effects on depression, anxiety, stress and type 2 diabetes,” he said. “We’ve seen loneliness become an increasing problem in our personal lives, but it’s worrying that we’re also seeing it in the workplace.”
Bupa’s data shows a 100 per cent increase in mental health-related claims between 2019 and 2024 among 18- to 35-year-olds. Yet more than one in five Gen Z workers (21 per cent) report that their workplace offers no mental health support.
The survey also highlights that loneliness is not limited to traditional employees. Among Gen Z content creators and social media influencers – one of the fastest-growing career paths for the age group – 45 per cent said working alone made them feel isolated. Despite the appeal of flexible, independent work, 58 per cent of influencers said they were considering returning to more traditional, social workplaces.
Ben Harrison, director of the Work Foundation think tank, said employers must recognise the risks of leaving young workers to navigate remote and hybrid roles without sufficient support.
“Young people are already more likely to be in insecure employment because of the rise in hybrid and remote working,” he said. “While flexibility can benefit all age groups, it’s critical that employers provide opportunities for young people to learn from and build relationships with colleagues on a regular basis. Supportive and engaged line management can make a big difference when young people face challenges in the workplace.”
As businesses continue to balance demands for flexibility with the need to maintain culture and collaboration, Bupa’s findings highlight a growing generational divide. For many younger workers, the priority is no longer the freedom to work from anywhere, but the reassurance of working with others.