Seeking connection, Gen Z turning its back on remote-first work

Australia’s youngest workers are rejecting the work-from-home revolution. New research shows nearly nine in 10 now want at least two days a week in the office.

A nationwide survey of thousands of early career jobseekers by online employment platform Hatch has revealed a dramatic shift in workplace priorities, including a sharp reversal from the remote-first enthusiasm seen during the pandemic.

Salary, which topped the list of priorities last year, has slipped behind learning and growth opportunities, as young Australians signal they want long-term skills and a clear career path rather than just a fatter pay packet.

Google, Canva and Amazon were named the top three “dream employers”, reflecting Gen Z’s desire to join organisations that are both industry leaders and seen as providing structured pathways to development. Twelve of the top 20 spots went to Australia-founded or based companies, including Atlassian, Qantas and The Iconic.

Adam Jacobs, the co-founder of Hatch, which is billed as “Seek for Gen Z”, last year raised $7 million in funding to scale nationally. The executive, who co-founded The Iconic, said the research, dubbed the Hatch Hotlist, showed how quickly Gen Z’s values were changing.

“Each year we see a different theme. In 2023, it was all about escaping cheap perks for culture and values alignment. Last year, the cost-of-living crisis put salary at No.1. This year it’s all about security; having a clear path to grow, learn and belong,” Jacobs said in an interview.

“We’re also seeing young people reject the two-step plan of earlier generations – work hard now, enjoy life later. They want balance and purpose from the start.”

The survey revealed 80 per cent of Gen Z respondents either had a side hustle or wanted one. Jacobs said this was less about financial necessity and more about creative expression and skill-building.

“Most side hustles are hobbies or passion projects,” he said. “It doesn’t mean they want a portfolio career. Gen Z is still looking for secure, full-time jobs. Employers should see side hustles as a sign of creativity and growth, not disloyalty.”

The collapse of remote-first enthusiasm has been relatively sudden. The percentage of job candidates who want to work entirely from home dropped sharply year on year. Instead, most want two or three days in the office, seeking collaboration, mentoring and a sense of belonging.

It comes amid rampant debate about whether workers should have the right to work remotely enshrined in legislation. Victoria is mulling a legal right to work from home two days a week and all states except Western Australia have referred their laws for private sector workplaces to the federal government.

“Connection is important,” Jacobs said. “Young people don’t want five days in the office, but they absolutely want that hybrid balance.”

For many respondents, the biggest red flag in considering a new employer was “unclear opportunities for growth”. Jobseekers were also turned off by high turnover, vague job ads and poor communication during the recruitment process. Nearly three-quarters said they had been ghosted by employers.

The consultant is Tony Stark and AI is the suit. The value comes from human judgment and creativity.”

Hatch co-founder Adam Jacobs

The survey also revealed mixed feelings about artificial intelligence. Nine in ten Gen Z candidates said they were already using AI tools, from job applications to everyday work tasks. Most saw it as a way to grow faster in their careers.

But there was also a sense of unease about whether AI could erode entry-level opportunities.

Hatch head of AI and machine learning Arwen Griffioen said employers that articulated a clear AI strategy would win the war for junior talent.

“Young people want reassurance that their roles won’t disappear overnight,” she said. “They’re asking: ‘what skills can I bring that AI can’t replace?’.”

While the old advice was to “go learn to code”, Griffioen said future-proof skills were broader: critical thinking, problem-solving and emotional intelligence.

Jacobs likened it to an “Iron Man” analogy. “The consultant is Tony Stark and AI is the suit. The value comes from human judgment and creativity.”

One of the most striking findings of the “dream employers” list was Sydney scale-up Canva’s placing alongside Google and Amazon in the top three.

Jacobs said it reflected both the strength of Australia’s homegrown tech industry and Canva’s reputation among Gen Z workers.

“It’s pretty extraordinary,” he said. “Canva is right up there with two of the biggest brands on the planet. That’s something the local tech community should be proud of.”

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