A new global study from BSI suggests that young workers who entered the workforce during the pandemic are rethinking the value of in-person work, with a majority in the U.S. favouring on-site roles and citing mental health, mentorship, and efficiency as key factors.
The report, released Tuesday, surveyed 4,700 people across multiple countries who began working between 2019 and 2025. It found that 49 per cent of U.S. respondents prefer working fully on-site—compared to 27 per cent globally. Only 21 per cent of U.S. respondents said they prefer to work fully remote.
The findings are significant for employers navigating evolving workplace models in the wake of COVID-19. Many HR leaders continue to weigh productivity, talent retention, and employee wellbeing against operational demands.
Efficiency, stability, and connection drive on-site preference
Nearly two-thirds (65 per cent) of U.S. respondents said they found their jobs easier when performed on-site, and 66 per cent reported feeling more efficient in that setting. While 30 per cent expressed a preference for hybrid work, 40 per cent of remote workers said they would turn down a fully remote job offer. Similarly, 38 per cent of hybrid workers said they would consider leaving their current position if forced to go fully remote.
At the same time, workers indicated that on-site roles come with trade-offs. A majority (65 per cent) said jobs requiring full-time presence should come with higher pay, and 68 per cent said companies should offer alternative flexibility, such as core office hours or condensed workweeks.
Work-life balance leads as top motivator
For this generation of workers, work-life balance outranked all other priorities—listed as the top motivator by 51 per cent of respondents and by 60 per cent of those who work on-site. That was followed by job stability (45 per cent) and financial incentives (38 per cent).
The study also found that when in the office, workers are less likely to extend their day: 54 per cent of hybrid workers and 57 per cent of remote workers said they are less likely to work beyond scheduled hours when in-person.
Commute length remains a major factor for job choice. Among hybrid workers, 51 per cent said it would be the leading consideration in shifting to a fully on-site role.
Mental health and mentorship remain critical
The pandemic’s effect on mental health was clear. More than a third (37 per cent) of those surveyed said remote work during the pandemic harmed their mental health. By contrast, 56 per cent said hybrid structures improved their wellbeing.
Social connections also played a role in workplace satisfaction: 74 per cent said they had made friends at work, 56 per cent found mentors, and more than half engaged in social activities with colleagues after hours. While 52 per cent preferred in-person meetings, 46 per cent said they felt more confident in virtual ones.
At the same time, social anxiety remains a barrier. About 24 per cent said it would impact their decision to accept a fully on-site role. That rose to 32 per cent among respondents who described their early work experiences negatively.
Implications for HR and organizational strategy
Susan Taylor Martin, chief executive of BSI, said the findings challenge common narratives about young workers being disengaged or resistant to traditional workplaces.
“We are five years on from the pandemic and organizations around the globe are still grappling with the most effective ways of working,” she said. “Instead we have found a cohort thinking very carefully about what they want from life and work and understand the trade-offs involved.”
Kate Field, global head of human and social sustainability at BSI, said younger workers are prioritizing sustainable careers.
“They value balance, moderation and consistency,” she said. “Alongside the unique circumstances of the pandemic, they are also facing longer working lives and higher living costs, so it is perhaps no surprise that sustainable careers—careers that serve their lives rather than the other way around—are a priority.”
Mark Morrin, principal research consultant at ResPublica, added that while hybrid roles can offer flexibility, they can also reinforce feelings of isolation or workplace insecurity.
“A quarter of all those who are currently in remote or hybrid roles say that social anxiety would influence their decision to take a site-based role,” he said. “This represents both opportunity and challenges for employers and policymakers in shaping the career landscape for young people and new job entrants.”
The BSI study covered multiple geographies and sectors, with further insights available into regional and industry-specific trends.
