UNiDAYS, the world’s leading student verification platform, has released new data which highlights UK students’ views on the workplace and their preferred working patterns.
As students consider their job options after graduation, new data from UNiDAYS reveals that UK students are eager to experience traditional office life. Of the over 700 students surveyed, 65% said a physical office is either very or somewhat important to them when considering where they choose to start their career.
Despite companies such as WPP and Amazon facing backlash after telling staff to come into the office more, the data indicates that this will not deter the next intake of graduates. Nearly half (47%) of students surveyed said they would apply for a job which requires them to be in the office five days a week. Only 33% said five days a week in the office is a dealbreaker for them, while 20% did not have a strong view.
According to the data, face-to-face interactions are one of the main factors drawing students to the office, as 34% said being able to meet colleagues in person is the biggest perk of office working. Students also view this as a more productive environment, with nearly a quarter saying this is the best thing about office life.
While students view being able to go into an office as an important part of their early careers, they also value the flexibility work-from-home policies allow. A hybrid approach (2-3 days in the office) is the preferred working pattern for the majority (54%) of students, and 20% want to be able to ‘work from anywhere’, allowing them to explore the world without sacrificing their careers.
Entering adulthood during the cost-of-living crisis, students are planning to stick to their money-saving habits beyond graduation – over a third (39%) view saving money on a commute or lunch out as the biggest perk of working from home. The data also indicates that students factor being able to have a work-life balance into their working preferences, as 15% say the biggest perk of working from home is being able to do household chores and hobbies, and 21% say the best thing is saving time on a commute.
Alex Gallagher, Chief Strategy Officer at UNiDAYS, said: “This new data offers a unique insight into the future of the workforce. It’s clear that recent narratives that report Gen Z are reluctant to return to the office are changing; our research shows that the next generation is more than willing to do so and value the opportunity to spend time with colleagues and learn from them. That being said, the data also shows us that students appreciate the flexibility which comes with modern approaches to working, the perks of being able to control their schedule and also save some extra money.
“Getting on the career ladder and starting your first job is a big step and can be daunting. As champions of the student community, we want to make sure students feel supported throughout the early years of adulthood. By giving them access to tools and resources – and enabling them to save a bit of extra money during their student years – we hope that they feel prepared and can put their best foot forward as they enter the world of work.”