80% of Gen Z and 72% of millennials prefer a hybrid work model, while 61% of Gen Z and 53% of millennials would opt for fully remote work if given the choice, according to a report by GI Group Holding, ‘The Multigenerational Edge: Shaping Tomorrow’s Workplace’, that unveils insights into the evolving workplace culture, highlighting how different generations are reshaping partnership approaches, leadership styles, and work preferences.

Additionally, 52% of Gen Z are drawn to compressed workweeks, prioritising efficiency over longer hours, and 47% of Gen Z and 65% of millennials want the freedom to manage their schedules, the report found. These preferences signal a shift away from rigid office structures, pushing organisations to adapt policies to attract and retain top talent. 

The report also reveals that work holds significant value for conventionalists (94%) and Gen X (78%), whereas millennials (61%) and Gen Z (39%) prioritise purpose beyond their jobs. This generational shift underscores the evolving expectations from the workplace, with younger employees seeking meaning, flexibility, and alignment with personal values.

Gen X (86%) and conventionalists (63%) believe that teamwork between generations is effective. Millennials (51%) and Gen Z (39%) are not so optimistic, as per the report.

49% of the respondents believe workplaces are inclusive. The older a generation, the better the sense of inclusion (Gen X: 66%, conventionalists: 58%, millennials: 45%, and Gen Z: 27%).

Ageism remains a significant challenge for all generations: Conventionalists (59%) are affected the most, followed by millennials (44%), Gen Z (37%), and Gen X (31%).

The key findings also reveal significant disparities in leadership engagement across generations. While 54% of Gen X and 50% of conventionalists feel comfortable directly engaging with senior leaders, this drops to just 27% for millennials and 14% for Gen Z. Leadership style preferences also vary, with 57% of millennials and 45% of Gen Z favouring participative leadership, whereas 44% of conventionalists prefer consensus-driven decision-making. These differences highlight the need for more accessible leadership and open communication to bridge generational gaps.

The report further highlights that only 31% of employees establish clear work-life boundaries, with millennials (47%) managing this balance the best. In contrast, Gen Z (25%) and Gen X (16%) struggle the most, reflecting generational differences in managing professional and personal commitments.

Generational preferences also differ in terms of workplace priorities, particularly in recognition and rewards. While 66% of employees value them, older generations see recognition as validation of hard work (85% of Gen X, 77% of conventionalists), whereas only 52% of millennials and Gen Z prioritise it, favouring intrinsic rewards and career growth. Conventionalists and Gen X also emphasise job stability and purpose-driven work, while younger generations prioritise work-life balance (70% of Gen Z, 67% of millennials), continuous learning, and a positive workplace culture. 

Technology adoption and communication styles further illustrate differing preferences. While millennials, Gen Z, and Gen X are quick to adopt tools like Generative AI and task management apps, conventionalists remain more hesitant. Communication preferences also vary, 94% of conventionalists and 88% of Gen X prefer face-to-face meetings, while 43% of millennials and 23% of Gen Z favour video conferencing. Additionally, 78% of Gen Z and 73% of millennials report struggling with formal communication styles, whereas 60% of conventionalists find informal communication challenging.

The findings make it clear that the future of work isn’t one-size-fits-all. Companies that embrace flexibility, foster leadership accessibility, and adopt a multigenerational approach will be best positioned to lead in an evolving corporate landscape. By celebrating diversity in work styles, communication preferences, and evolving employee expectations, organisations can unlock the full potential of their workforce and thrive in the years to come, according to the report.

Sonal Arora, country manager, GI Group Holding, said: “In the context of an increasingly age-diverse corporate India, the report examines the complexities of workplace dynamics, providing critical insights for business and industry leaders as well as policy makers and other stakeholders. It highlights key emerging trends expected to redefine the future of work, including varying generational preferences in importance of work, leadership engagement, work-life balance, and recognition. The findings underscore the rising demand for flexibility, participative leadership, purpose-driven careers, and seamless technological integration. By embracing these shifts, businesses can cultivate more adaptive, inclusive, and human-centric workplaces that effectively cater to the evolving needs of their workforce.”