Gen Z Wants More Face-to-Face Interaction in the Workplace, Survey Finds

Despite often being blamed for the rise of remote work, Gen Z employees are increasingly seeking in-person engagement, according to a new survey.

A study conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of global events company Freeman found that 91% of Gen Z workers preferred a balance between virtual and in-person opportunities to connect with colleagues and industry peers. The youngest generation in the workforce largely recognized the value of face-to-face interaction, with an equal percentage agreeing that attending in-person events was one of the best ways to develop social and interpersonal skills.

The survey also revealed that 89% of Gen Z respondents viewed relationships built at in-person events as crucial to building professional confidence, while 86% considered attending such events essential for career growth.

One of the driving factors behind this preference was a desire to improve communication skills. Many Gen Z professionals, having studied virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic and begun their careers remotely, found that their ability to network and navigate workplace dynamics had been hindered. Only about two in five Gen Z workers surveyed reported high confidence in networking within their industry or establishing strong business relationships.

A significant majority—82%—expressed a desire to feel more comfortable engaging with others in person, while 79% aimed to enhance their ability to interact with people in real-world settings.

At the same time, many in this generation attributed their social challenges to technology. More than two-thirds of Gen Z employees reported feeling less connected and more isolated due to workplace tech, and nearly 80% believed that companies prioritized digital communication over fostering in-person relationships. As a result, Gen Z workers indicated a strong preference for employers to invest more in events that facilitate professional relationship-building.

Older generations have often associated the shift toward remote work with Gen Z, attributing it to a perceived lack of work ethic and discipline. British businessman Lord Alan Sugar recently suggested that young professionals preferred working from home and needed to return to the office. He argued that small interactions with experienced colleagues were essential for learning workplace skills, something he believed was missing in a remote work culture dominated by virtual meetings.

However, Freeman CEO Janet Dell countered these claims, stating that the survey results disproved the narrative that Gen Z was driving an entirely digital work environment. She emphasized that Gen Z professionals were not looking to avoid in-person interactions but were instead advocating for a more thoughtful integration of technology and face-to-face engagement. Dell added that this generation demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of when technology facilitated meaningful connections and when it became a barrier to real interaction.

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