Employees under 35 are increasingly viewing office-based work as beneficial for both their professional development and personal wellbeing, according to a new survey.
A total of 61% of younger employees believe the social aspects of office work contribute positively to their health, compared to 49% of their older colleagues aged over 55, the survey, by insurance firm Vitality, found.
The office environment not only enhances social connections but also provides a structured setting that encourages physical activity, with over half of all employees (55%) reporting that they’re more active in the office than when working from home.
The office continues to be a crucial space for career development, particularly for younger workers. The research found that 60% of employees under 35 feel they have better access to learning and development opportunities when working in person, compared to 45% of those over 55. This underscores the importance of the office as a hub for mentorship and professional growth.
Isolation and mental health concerns
Remote work, while offering flexibility, has its downsides. Nearly half of younger workers (48%) feel isolated when working from home, a sentiment shared by only 31% of employees over 55. This can lead to significant mental health challenges, with younger employees 63% more likely to experience depression and 15% more likely to suffer from burnout than their older counterparts.
Despite concerns about remote work’s impact on productivity, many employees report feeling more productive at home. But there’s a disconnect, as 41% of managers perceive their remote colleagues as less productive or available, highlighting the need for businesses to cultivate trust and collaboration within flexible working models.
A tailored approach to wellbeing
The call for flexible working is strong across all age groups, with 73% of employees advocating for it and 61% believing they would be more productive with greater control over their working hours, the survey found. This reflects the evolving nature of work and the need for policies that address the diverse needs of the workforce.
Vitality CEO Neville Koopowitz emphasised the critical link between health and productivity. “Our research lays bare the undeniable link between health and productivity in the UK—and the stakes couldn’t be higher for the economy and businesses,” he said.
Koopowitz said businesses must prioritise employee wellbeing to enhance productivity. Tailored strategies, mental health support and flexible working arrangements were essential, he said, for adapting to the changing needs of employees.