According to a new study, remote work could have a negative side effect on the social lives of young employees.
The research found that work is second only to school as a place where people meet their closest friends.
In an interview, Linda Trim, director at Giant Leap, gave her thoughts.
“That’s true for all remote or hybrid workers. But the impact is being felt most strongly for people with the least time working — Gen Z. With few experiences to draw from, young remote workers increasingly don’t think of the office as a place to make friends.”
Removing the social aspect of work has pros and cons. While it can lead to a better work-life balance, it can also leave workers lonelier.
The University of Kansas surveyed over 4,300 American adults, revealing that work friendships offer a multitude of benefits.
It showed that having a close work friend provides support, acts as a source of career advice, and boosts happiness.
The study found that people over 51 are twice as likely to have met a close friend at work compared to those under 30.
This disparity can be attributed to the limited time Gen Z spends in physical office spaces.
Remote workers may not engage in the same level of after-work socialising with colleagues.
In conclusion, studies suggest Gen Z should learn to navigate workplace friendships and view the office as a social space. If they don´t, they may face greater social isolation than previous generations.
