An increasing number of Generation Z job seekers would forgo working from home to secure a new role, according to a May 15 report from Flexa.
Fewer workers between ages 16-28 listed “location flexibility” as a priority for new roles in March, as compared to the beginning of 2025, the report found, reflecting a shift as labor market pressures increase and job vacancies fall to the lowest level in nearly four years.
“Younger workers tend to be hailed as the biggest advocates for working from home,” said Molly Johnson-Jones, CEO and co-founder of Flexa. “But Flexa data shows that Gen Z is currently least likely to want to work remotely full time and is becoming less likely to prioritize location-based flexibility when seeking jobs.”
In an analysis of data insights from more than two million job seekers between January and March 2025, 12% fewer Gen Z job seekers prioritized location flexibility in March, while demand increased among all other age groups.
Gen Z also became the least likely age group to want remote-first roles, with 24% saying they wanted one in March, as compared with 35% of Generation X job seekers.
In addition, demand for a four-day workweek dropped among all age groups, now being labeled as a “nice-to-have” benefit rather than a priority. About 27% of job seekers wanted a four-day week in March 2025, dropping by 31% since January and 43% over the past year.
In contrast, workers’ desires for mental health support continue to grow. About 37% of job seekers wanted roles offering mental health support in March, climbing from 33% in January. Demand has increased among all age groups except baby boomers, or ages 61-79.
Amid ongoing labor market uncertainty in 2025, employees have reported “walking on eggshells” in fragile workplace environments, according to a BambooHR report. Many workers said they’re not applying for jobs, even if unsatisfied, which could point to concerns about job security and a lack of opportunity, a BambooHR executive said.
Although most college graduates say they feel ready to show up for work prepared, the Class of 2025 may face tight competition for fewer jobs, according to a Handshake report. More than half of graduates expressed pessimism about starting their careers in the current economy.
Overall, 1 in 3 Americans say they have layoff anxiety in 2025, according to a survey by Clarify Capital. Layoff anxiety appears to be most pronounced among Gen Z workers and more than double among remote workers than on-site employees, the survey found.
