A Boomer vs. GenZ battle?
Ah, the future of remote work – it's a tale of generations, each with their unique take on this brave new world. More than 1 in 3 employees want fully remote work this year, but that sentiment isn't shared equally among generations.
A Boomer vs. GenZ Battle?
When we think of remote work, the image of a generational battle often comes to mind. There’s Bob, the Baby Boomer, who’s still navigating video calls, and Zoe, the Gen Z professional, who thrives in her flexible, remote role. However, the reality of these generational differences is more complex.
But the reality is not that simple!
This shift to remote work has different implications for different generations. Boomers and Gen X who grew up in a time when working in an office was the norm, may be hesitant to embrace remote work. They may worry about being isolated from their colleagues, or they may not be comfortable with the technology that is required for remote work.
Millennials and GenZ, on the other hand, are more comfortable with technology and are more likely to be open to remote work. They may see remote work as a way to have more flexibility and control over their work-life balance.
The Different Perspectives on Remote Work
Remote work isn’t for everyone! Even more so among GenZ ranging between 18 and 24 years old, as they are either early in their careers or even in their first job, which could be particularly difficult without in-person guidance and onboarding. (A Fortune-SurveyMonkey poll found that 43% of Gen Zers reported a decrease in productivity during remote work, the highest percentage of any other generation.)
Older employees want to work fully remotely nearly twice as much as younger ones, according to a new study by job search site Joblist.
60% of Gen Z favor remote work, however, 35% still prefer in-person work due to the structure and support it offers early in their careers.
Millennials: Only 15% prefer entirely in-person setups, favoring fully remote work for the autonomy it offers or a hybrid model.
Gen X: With 55% leaning towards remote work.
Boomers, once synonymous with the traditional office, are increasingly embracing flexibility. While 40% enjoy a hybrid model, allowing them to stay connected to office culture without sacrificing lifestyle balance, 35% have fully transitioned to remote work.
A shift compared to 2022-2023 numbers.
So, Who's Right?
But if the Future of Remote Work was, in fact, a generational battle? We can all enjoy the debate between boomers and GenZ about the future of remote work.
Point of View 1: Bob - The Boomer
Bob's idea of remote work in 2024 is like something out of a movie. The concept of Marketing has evolved into a mysterious realm of creatives and Makerz, and he's struggling to keep up. In his mind, a Creative Hub might as well be in outer space! Online Marketing is unnecessary to him, and the term "Freelance agency" leaves him scratching his head. He's convinced that the whole world has gone bonkers with the whole "no boundaries" thing, and he's not sure where the US ends and the rest of the world begins.
Boundaries? Bob is all about them! He can't quite comprehend how creatives are working from their couches in their pyjamas. As for Agency culture, Bob fondly remembers the days of water-cooler chats and office pranks. He's not too sure about these virtual Avengers shaking things up.
And don't even get him started on "Remote Freelancers' prices." Bob firmly believes that the only price worth paying is one you can physically see and touch with your hands – dollars and cents, none of this artistic bid stuff!
Point of View 2: Zoe - The GenZ
For Zoe, remote work is the ultimate form of creative expression and independence. Her world is a boundaryless network of global colleagues, digital coffee chats, and creative agencies. She thrives in the flexibility of remote work, where she can balance her professional and personal life seamlessly. In her view, traditional office setups seem restrictive, and her ideal work culture is defined by freedom and self-expression.
Her Creative Hub in London is like a playground of endless opportunities, and Online Marketing is her weapon of choice. Freelance agencies are the Avengers she aspires to join, and she's ready to break boundaries to do it.
As for Agency culture, Zoe couldn't care less about water-coolers and office pranks. She's got her virtual coffee shop hangouts and meme-sharing groups – her version of a cool workplace.
Freelancers' prices? Zoe knows her worth, and she's not afraid to put an artistic bid out there. She understands that creativity knows no bounds, and neither should her paycheck!
Conclusion
As we move into 2025, remote work is reshaping the professional landscape, with each generation adapting to new norms in unique ways. While Bob may struggle with the fluidity of a remote setup, Zoe welcomes it with open arms. Millennials and Gen X embrace a balanced approach, blending the autonomy of remote work with the camaraderie of in-person interactions.
But amidst the laughter and quirky differences lies the realization that remote work is here to stay, and it's a glorious, creative, and boundary-pushing world. So, whether you're a Bob or a Zoe, there's one thing that's certain – the future of remote work is exciting, dynamic, and full of possibilities.
Now, if you're ready to embrace the Makerz spirit and dive into the remote work revolution, check out makerz.co.uk for an adventure of a lifetime.
What is your ideal work model?
In Person
Fully Remote
Hybrid
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