A Gallup survey asked 19,000 US workers about fully remote jobs; Gen Z, often seen as the digital-first generation, was the least likely to want it, while millennials preferred it the most

Since the dream of working while vacationing was popularized by content creators, remote work has grown exponentially. Helped by the COVID-19 pandemic, it gained widespread acceptance as many jobs proved they could be done from virtually anywhere in the world. As a result, fully remote work is often assumed to be the most desirable work arrangement for Gen Z. But a new Gallup study suggests that America's youngest workers may not be as enthusiastic about fully remote jobs as many assume.

According to Gallup's latest findings based on responses from more than 19,000 US employees surveyed in May 2025, Gen Z is the least likely generation to prefer exclusively remote work, with just 23% of remote-capable workers in the age group saying they would choose to work entirely from home. By comparison, 35% of millennials, Gen X, and baby boomers said they preferred fully remote work.

The study found that hybrid work remains the most popular arrangement across every generation, while fully on-site work continues to be the least preferred option.

Gen Z wants hybrid work, but with a demand

Gallup found that most hybrid employees believe the current balance between office and remote work is about right. However, Gen Z stood out for another reason: they were the most likely generation to say they wished their coworkers worked remotely less often.

Meanwhile, millennials were the most likely to want colleagues to work remotely more frequently.

"A plurality of hybrid workers in each generation say the current balance is right. Still, Gen Z is the most likely to say they wish employees in their organization worked remotely less often," the researchers wrote.

Loneliness may explain why Gen Z prefers more in-person interaction

Gallup believes one reason behind Gen Z's preferences is social connection. The report notes that Gen Z is the loneliest generation in the workplace, with younger employees reporting lower life evaluations and significantly higher levels of loneliness than older workers.

"Gen Z employees have the lowest life evaluations of any generation at work. They are also the most lonely," the study said. According to Gallup, Gen Z workers are almost twice as likely as Gen X employees, and nearly three times as likely as baby boomers, to say they experienced loneliness for much of the previous day.

Researchers also suggested that many young hybrid workers may be coming into offices only to find few colleagues there. Around 66% of Gen Z hybrid employees said they are required to work a certain number of days on-site each week but can choose which days, increasing the chances that coworkers come in on different schedules.

Millennials remain the strongest supporters of remote work

The survey found millennials have the strongest attachment to remote work flexibility. Among remote-capable employees, 41% of millennials said they would be extremely likely to look for another job if their employer reduced or eliminated remote work options, the highest share among all generations.

Millennials also reported feeling most productive while working away from the office. Nearly half (49%) said they perform best at home or another remote location, while only 19% believed they were most productive in the office.

Gallup says better hybrid coordination could help younger workers

The study suggests that simply offering hybrid work may not be enough if employees rarely see one another in person.

Instead, Gallup recommends that organizations coordinate office schedules at the team level so employees can benefit from meaningful face-to-face interactions rather than arriving at nearly empty workplaces.

"Gen Z prefers hybrid work the most, but they may miss out on its in-person benefits if they show up to an empty office," the researchers wrote. "An even better option is for leaders to discuss with their team how each person works best and coordinate in-person time at the team level."

In summary, the findings suggest that while flexible work remains highly valued, younger employees may also be seeking something remote work cannot fully provide: regular social interaction and stronger workplace connections.