Generation Z and millennials say they’d expect a 10 per cent salary increase, on average, if they were unable to work in a hybrid working arrangement, according to a survey by IWG Canada.
The survey, which polled more than 1,000 Canadian adults who work in a flexible, hybrid environment, found an overwhelming majority of gen Z (95 per cent), millennials (84 per cent), gen X (71 per cent) and baby boomers (84 per cent) all said they’d anticipate some form of salary increase if they could no longer work in this type of arrangement.
It also found millennials were most likely to look for another job if their employer didn’t offer hybrid working (53 per cent), compared to only 32 per cent of baby boomers who work in a hybrid arrangement. Indeed, roughly half (55 per cent) of gen Z and millennial (50 per cent) respondents said their personal career growth has benefitted from hybrid work, compared to a third of gen X-ers (35 per cent) and baby boomers (36 per cent). Roughly six in 10 (59 per cent) employees said they don’t have to see co-workers in person every day to form strong relationships and this response was consistent across generations.
Read: 51% of U.S. hybrid, remote workers would quit their jobs if mandated to return to office: survey
Two-thirds (74 per cent) of respondents said having the flexibility to work in-office or remote positively impacts their well-being moreso than traditional influences like workload (54 per cent), length of commute (54 per cent), managers (53 per cent) or wellness programs (40 per cent). Indeed, across all generations, respondents said they’re experiencing an improvement in their overall mood (52 per cent), reduced feelings of stress (57 per cent), getting better sleep (53 per cent) and have more energy (45 per cent).
“Hybrid working is universally popular among all generations who have embraced the many benefits the model offers, from better physical and mental health to better sleep and more energy,” said Wayne Berger, IWG’s chief executive officer, in a press release. “The study highlights that there are important generational differences and one size doesn’t fit all; rather, there are many different flavours of hybrid working and the needs of employees will differ according to where they are in their careers and personal lives. Employers face the challenge of balancing the demands of the younger workforce while addressing the concerns of older employees.”
Read: Flexible workplaces a win-win for workers, employers: report