It’s a popular and very common question, but it’s the wrong one. I believe a better one might be: “How can we encourage Gen Z to come to the workplace?” I think it’s a mistake to assume they don’t want to – my research shows many actually want to come in to the office.

In a survey my company carried out this summer, we asked over 4,000 people about their communication preferences. One of the questions was where they felt more productive – at home or in the office.  We found a mixed picture and when we subdivided Gen Z into three age groups we discovered that while many younger Gen Z often prefer working from home, older Gen Z leans toward the office. More insights will be available when the full report is published next month.

Interestingly, Gen Z often wants to come to the office, but when their Millennial and Gen X managers aren’t there, they see little point. Why come into an empty office just to hop on Zoom calls? This isn’t just about policies, it’s about leadership. Organisations need to understand generational dynamics and encourage everyone to come in, not just enforce mandates.

One of my clients summed it up perfectly: “Create FOMO to combat HOGO.” Make the office a place where people feel they’re missing out if they aren’t there. So, rather than telling people (especially Gen Z) to return to the office, encourage them. Chances are they want to be there anyway.