It was no surprise to me to read this headline in the Times, along with a recent survey by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) that showed nearly half of UK businesses (48%) expect all staff to be in the office five days a week within the next year

However, it's not just about Gen Z; it also includes Millennials and Baby Boomers.

As Baby Boomers, we have a responsibility to try and rectify this, not just for the benefit of the next generation, but to improve productivity and reduce the rise in mental health issues among the younger generation that are undoubtedly associated with WFH. 

It's fine for us Baby Boomers to work from home, we have the knowledge, contacts and relationships built up over many years of being office-based, but we should be sharing that knowledge, experience and expertise, and that means getting our arses into the office, setting an example and supporting the next generation.

When I was building out my own office network in the UK whenever I recruited someone to be the bridgehead in a new region, I would put them in a serviced office.  I knew then WFH was not the best way for them to succeed.

If you can't accommodate your WFH people, get them a desk at a local flexible office provider; there are plenty around - but whatever you do, get them out of their bedroom or away from the kitchen table.

I acknowledge that flexible working and WFH have many perceived benefits, but I have also noticed some unique challenges for younger generations—particularly Gen Z and Millennials.

📉 Loss of Mentorship & Learning by Osmosis

Much of career growth happens informally—listening to how colleagues operate

🤝 Weaker Networking & Relationship Building

Building professional & social networks is harder without face-to-face conversations, after-work socials, or chance encounters.

🖥️ Blurring of Work-Life Boundaries

Without the natural break of going to the office, younger employees often struggle to differentiate between home and work life. This does create mental health issues.

🚪 Slower Organisational Integration

Office time helps new recruits get up to speed much quicker. WFH can leave some feeling disconnected or like outsiders.

💡 Fewer Opportunities to Build Soft Skills

Communication, conflict resolution, and leadership skills are sharpened through in-person collaboration.

👉 What strategies have you seen work best for helping younger professionals thrive while working remotely?

Are you a Business Leader, who would like to interact more with other leaders of established businesses in the region, to experience the benefits that come from the shared knowledge, expertise and experience that exists in such a group?

Then why not come along to our next FOC Exclusive Roundtable for Yorkshire-Based CEOs & MDs on Wednesday, 17 September at 10 am in Central Leeds?

Simply click here.

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We currently have a vacancy in one of our Yorkshire-based Pabasso – Peer Advisory Board Associates boards so if you would like to know more about how we at Pabasso – Peer Advisory Board Associates help leaders of established businesses progress through shared experiences, expertise, and support, please do not hesitate to get in touch. 

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