More than Half of Gen Z Workers Say They're More Productive at Home, as 1 in 3 Struggle to Focus in the Office

More than half of Gen Z workers (53%) say they feel more productive working from home, while one in three (34%) believe their workplace design does not allow them to focus effectively, according to new research from Diamond Interiors 

The survey, conducted with YouGov, highlights a growing disconnect between what younger employees need to perform at their best and what many office environments currently provide.

While the office remains an important place for collaboration and team interaction, the findings suggest that a significant proportion of Gen Z workers are finding it easier to concentrate when working remotely.

Why are young workers more productive at home?

The results point towards workplace design as a potential factor behind the productivity gap.

With 34% of Gen Z workers saying their workplace does not allow them to focus effectively, many employees may be struggling with common office distractions such as noise, interruptions and a lack of dedicated spaces for concentrated work.

As businesses continue to refine their hybrid working policies, the findings raise important questions about whether office environments are evolving quickly enough to meet the expectations of a new generation of employees.

Designing offices that support productivity

The modern workplace has increasingly been designed to encourage collaboration, creativity and social interaction. However, experts suggest that this focus may sometimes come at the expense of individual concentration.

Creating a successful office environment requires a balance between spaces that encourage teamwork and areas that allow employees to focus without distraction.

Rebecca Waller, Head Of Design at Diamond Interiors, said:

"These findings highlight an important challenge facing employers. While offices remain incredibly valuable for collaboration, many employees are telling us they do not always feel they have the right environment to focus on individual tasks."

"When more than half of Gen Z workers say they feel more productive working from home, employers should be asking why. In many cases, it is not necessarily because employees prefer being at home, but because home environments often offer greater control over noise, interruptions, and comfort."

"Over the last decade, many workplaces have prioritised open-plan layouts and collaborative spaces. While these can be hugely beneficial, they need to be balanced with quieter areas where employees can concentrate when required."

"The most effective workplaces are those that support different ways of working. Employees need spaces to collaborate, communicate, and socialise, but they also need environments that allow them to focus without constant distractions."

"As businesses continue to compete for talent, workplace design will play an increasingly important role in employee satisfaction, wellbeing, and productivity. Creating spaces that genuinely support how people work today is no longer a luxury; it is an expectation."

---

Diamond Interiors is a leading provider of commercial workspace solutions. We work with businesses of all shapes and sizes who are looking to refurbish their existing office or move to new premises. See the full Diamond Interiors Gen-Z Workplace Report here.