Young adults are increasingly looking for traditional office jobs as they have become unhappy while working from home, according to reports.
Research suggests four in 10 aged 16 to 24 said they feel lonely or socially isolated because of their work circumstances, a significantly higher proportion than any other age group.
Many started their careers during Covid lockdowns and have never worked in a full-time office environment, missing out on bonding activities such as post-work drinks, The Times revealed.
Bupa based its survey of 8,000 adults in the UK.
Loneliness is particularly high among youngsters who pursued careers as social media influencers, the health insurance firm said.
Nearly half said working alone made them lonely, and one in three said they were planning a return to full-time, traditional employment in the next five years.
Overall, 45 per cent of young adults said they were considering moving to roles that provided more social interaction, compared with 27 per cent of workers in all age groups.
Experts said that to retain Gen Z staff employers must provide “the opportunity to learn from and build relationships with colleagues”.
The Bupa Wellbeing Index report also found 41 per cent of Gen Z would consider moving to a job that came with the perk of private healthcare.
PR assistant Tom Brown, 24, from Sandbanks, Dorset, had worked fully remotely for the first part of his career, but soon found himself lonely and missing social interaction.
He decided to apply for new roles to support his mental health, and now works full-time in an office. Mr Brown said: “While there were upsides to working remotely, the downside was the limitations on social interaction, and 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 town in the evenings. My wellbeing is already improving as a result.”
Ben Harrison, director of the Work Foundation, a think tank at Lancaster University, told The Times: “Young people’s experience of work has shifted significantly in recent years.
“Already more likely to find themselves in insecure employment when they enter the labour market, the rapid introduction of new technologies and a rise in hybrid and remote working practices can risk many young people feeling disconnected from their colleagues and employer.
“While flexibility at work can be beneficial for all age groups, it’s critical that employers proactively provide young people with secure employment opportunities that feature clear routes to progression, the opportunity to learn from and build relationships with colleagues on a regular basis, and supportive and engaged line management that can make a big difference when young people face challenges in the workplace.”
Bupa UK medical director Dr Naveen Puri added: “Loneliness can have a devastating impact on our mental and physical health, with knock-on effects on depression, anxiety, stress and type 2 diabetes. We've seen loneliness become an increasing problem in our personal lives, but it's worrying that we're also seeing it in a workplace environment.
“Among our customers we have seen a 100 per cent increase in mental health-related claims from 2019 to 2024 for 18-35 year olds, so it’s reassuring that workplaces are taking action to get their people the support they need.”
