Younger employees are more willing to return to the office than older colleagues with three in ten employers saying staff under 30 are least likely to object.
According to Epassi UK’s Employee Benefits Report 2025, a fifth of businesses say these younger employees come into the office more often than required.
The research highlights that hybrid working remains highly valued, with 86% of employees saying it makes them happier and more productive. Around three quarters report doing more work from home due to reduced commuting time.
Epassi UK notes that while 87% of employers still allow home working, a quarter updated policies in the past year to require more office attendance and a fifth plan further changes. Only half of employers believe employees are more productive when allowed to work from home.
The research also shows the impact on retention with a fifth of businesses report stricter office policies have led to resignations, while seven in ten employees say they would consider leaving for a role offering hybrid working.
Epassi UK and Zest CEO Matt Russell says: “Offering employees flexibility is key – mandating a full return to the office can risk a mass loss of talent whereas fully remote options remain unpopular with younger employees who crave the social and professional development opportunities that office life can offer.
“Gen Z employees are often assumed to be the ones pushing back against a return to the office – our research shows that the reverse is more likely, with millennial and Gen X employees keen to minimise in-person attendance as they face childcare costs, may have moved further out or have invested in home offices during the pandemic.
“Keeping the balance of hybrid work alongside other in-demand benefits is vital for businesses that want to create a happier, more productive workforce and retain the best talent.”
