The workplace is undergoing a seismic shift, and Generation Z-born between 1997 and 2010-is leading the charge. As these young professionals step into the Gen Z workplace, their preferences are rewriting the rules of talent attraction, retention, and organizational culture. One trend shines brighter than the rest: Gen Z loves hybrid work. But what’s driving this passion? At Brandemix, we’ve leveraged our employer brand research to dig into the why behind this phenomenon, uncovering insights that help businesses from New York to Sydney adapt to this unstoppable force.
Why Gen Z is Embracing the Hybrid Work Model
Hybrid work-mixing remote and in-office days-has become a cornerstone for Gen Z employees. A 2024 Gallup study found that 65% of remote-capable Gen Z workers prefer hybrid setups over fully remote or fully on-site roles, outpacing Millennials (60%) and Baby Boomers (56%) (Gallup, 2024). Why? Gen Z entered the workforce amid a global pandemic, mastering tools like Zoom and Teams while yearning for the in-person connections they missed early in their careers. Hybrid work delivers that balance-flexibility paired with face-to-face collaboration-making it a global hit from London to Melbourne.
Gen Z craves a workplace that adapts to their lives, not the other way around. Data from TalentLMS shows 81% of Gen Z employees say flexibility in when and where they work is critical (TalentLMS, 2022), while 70% value in-person socialization with colleagues. This duality defines their hybrid obsession-a blend of independence and community that resonates worldwide.
Flexibility Meets Purpose: Decoding Gen Z’s Mindset
Raised as digital natives, Gen Z expects workplaces to mirror their tech-savvy, values-driven ethos. Hybrid work trends let them craft schedules around personal priorities-think morning jogs in Toronto, surfing in Cape Town, or side hustles in Berlin. The World Economic Forum reports that 73% of employees, including Gen Z, desire permanent flexible work options (World Economic Forum, 2023), a stat that’s pushing companies globally to ditch rigid 9-to-5 models.
But flexibility isn’t the whole story. Gen Z ties hybrid work to purpose, seeking employers who reflect their values-be it sustainability in Stockholm or DEI in Chicago. PeopleScout’s 2023 findings reveal that 90% of Gen Z in Europe would ditch a job misaligned with their principles ((PeopleScout, 2023)) a sentiment echoed across continents. Hybrid work signals a progressive, employee-first culture, making it a magnet for this generation wherever they are.
Hybrid Work Benefits for Gen Z
Let’s dive into the data to unpack why Gen Z prefers hybrid work. Here’s what the stats tell us:
- 59.5% of employees (including Gen Z) say hybrid work boosts productivity (Fortune, 2023) Fewer distractions and personalized workspaces fuel their focus.
- 46% of Gen Z live paycheck-to-paycheck (Deloitte, 2022) and hybrid cuts commuting costs-a lifeline in pricey cities like San Francisco or Mumbai.
- 55% of Gen Z women cite mental health as a top concern (Ipsos, 2025 projection), with hybrid reducing workplace stress through flexibility.
These benefits aren’t just perks-they’re dealmakers for Gen Z, influencing their job choices globally.
How Brandemix Turns Insights into Action
At Brandemix, we don’t just study Gen Z talent management strategies – we bring them to life. Here’s how we help companies align with Gen Z’s hybrid work love affair:
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Research That Reveals
Our employer brand research dives deep into what Gen Z wants-whether it’s hybrid policies in Seattle or wellness perks in Dublin. We analyze local and global trends to ensure your brand resonates with this generation’s priorities.
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An EVP That Pops
Through our employer value proposition expertise, we craft messaging that screams hybrid-friendly-like “Work your way, anywhere.” It’s a universal hook that clicks from Singapore to São Paulo, rooted in our EVP training and workshops.
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Recruitment Marketing That Wins
Our digital recruitment marketing crafts campaigns showcasing your hybrid culture. Picture Instagram reels of your Austin team thriving in-office and remotely-Gen Z can’t scroll past that. It’s all part of our creative development playbook.
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Communications That Connect
With internal communications, we ensure hybrid policies are crystal clear. Short, snappy videos (via our videos development service) keep Gen Z engaged, whether they’re in Tokyo or Toronto.
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Activation That Inspires
Our employer brand activation events-think hybrid “Gen Z Connect” sessions-bring your brand to life. Paired with recruitment marketing workshops, we train your team to keep Gen Z hooked, no matter the timezone.
A Global Truth: Hybrid Is the Future
Gen Z isn’t just influencing the hybrid work culture for Gen Z-they’re setting the stage for everyone. Gallup’s 2025 data shows 60% of all remote-capable employees now prefer hybrid (Gallup, 2025), but Gen Z’s digital fluency and boundary-pushing mindset make them the trendsetters. They demand flexibility without losing connection, and companies worldwide-from Silicon Valley to Shanghai-are listening.
Ready to make your workplace Gen Z-ready? Brandemix blends research, strategy, and creativity to transform employer branding for a hybrid workforce into your superpower. Contact us today to see how we can tailor these insights to your corner of the globe.
FAQs
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Why does Gen Z prefer hybrid work over fully remote or in-office?
Gen Z values the flexibility and autonomy of hybrid work, which allows them to balance personal and professional life while still benefiting from in-person collaboration.
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How can companies attract Gen Z talent through hybrid work offerings?
By clearly communicating their hybrid work policy in recruitment materials and employer branding efforts, companies can appeal to Gen Z’s desire for flexibility.
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What are some challenges of implementing hybrid work, and how can they be addressed?
Challenges include maintaining team cohesion and ensuring equal opportunities for all employees. Companies can address these by setting clear expectations, providing necessary tools, and fostering open communication.
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How does hybrid work impact company culture?
Hybrid work can positively impact company culture by promoting trust, flexibility, and employee well-being. However, it requires intentional efforts to maintain connections and shared values.
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What role does technology play in supporting hybrid work for Gen Z?
Technology is crucial for enabling seamless communication, collaboration, and access to resources regardless of location. Investing in robust digital tools is essential.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jody Ordioni is the author of “The Talent Brand.” In her role as Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Brandemix, she leads the firm in creating brand-aligned talent communications that connect employees to cultures, companies, and business goals. She engages with HR professionals and corporate teams on how to build and promote talent brands, and implement best-practice talent acquisition and engagement strategies across all media and platforms. She has been named a "recruitment thought leader to follow" and her mission is to integrate marketing, human resources, internal communications, and social media to foster a seamless brand experience through the employee lifecycle.
