Young people are more likely to feel remote working has numerous advantages that could aid their career progression. So says a new study by The Policy Institute at King’s College London and King’s Business School. Around 2,000 people working in London were surveyed.

Results

The findings from this poll show that out of these London workers who work from home at least one day a week, 40% aged between 16 and 24 find it easier to put themselves forward for tasks remotely as opposed to in-person, compared to 25% of 25- to 49-year-olds and 13% of workers aged 50 and over. In addition, 45% of the 16-24 age bracket said remote working made it easier to ask questions if they’re uncertain about a task, compared to 24% of 25- to 49-year-olds and 14% of the over-50s. Among the London workers working one day a week at home, 63% said the practical benefits such as avoiding the commute are the major aspects valued, compared to 33% who said they prefer greater freedom in their working life.

Trust in employers

Out of those workers taking part in the survey working in organisations with two or more staff, 58% trust their employer will stay focused on their well-being. 57% said their employer would treat them fairly, and 53% would keep their promises when it comes to returning to the workplace or decisions regarding future working arrangements. 

Future trends

Some 47% of the workers polled believe future working trends will be negotiated through a compromise between employers and staff. This is compared to 26% who think it will predominantly be employers who make the decision and 20% who say employees will be responsible for deciding future work patterns.

Analysis

According to Professor Bobby Duffy, director of the Policy Institute at King’s College London: “A key concern for many business leaders is how our new hybrid way of working will affect the development of younger staff just starting out in their careers. Development often comes from observing others and opportunities from chance connections made when people get together. But our study shows that younger workers don’t share these concerns to the same extent as older workers.”

Whereas Dr Amanda Jones, lecturer in human resource management and organisational behaviour at King’s Business School, said: “While employees continue to value face-to-face collaboration for building rapport with colleagues, many now see choice over working methods, and the freedom and flexibility which accompanies this choice, as a non-negotiable condition of employment.”