Hybrid Working Risks Alienating Younger Staff Unless Managers Take Action

• More than half of employees under 35 say hybrid working makes them feel less connected to their organisation. 
• Older generations, meanwhile, are twice as likely to view hybrid working as a top workplace benefit. 
• Survey of 1,000 UK employees conducted by HR tech provider IRIS Software Group. 

London, UK, September 8th 2025 – A new study of 1,000 UK employees has raised questions over whether businesses are letting down junior talent with hybrid working practices, with 51% of under 35s saying the policy makes them feel less connected to their organisation. 

The research, by HR technology provider IRIS Software Group, revealed how more than half (52%) of 18–24-year-olds and 49% of younger millennials (25-34s) admit hybrid working makes them feel less connected to their employer – compared to just a quarter (25%) of over-55s who said the same.  

The findings highlight concerns that remote work may be depriving younger employees of crucial early-career experiences, from building workplace connections to learning professional skills through face-to-face interactions. These informal learning opportunities – observing senior colleagues, practicing presentation skills, and receiving immediate feedback – have traditionally been cornerstones of professional development. 

Younger workers were also less likely to see hybrid policies as a top workplace benefit, with only 9% of 18-24 year olds polled by IRIS seeing it as such. This compared to 17% who said the same on average, with 45–55-year-old employees twice as likely than younger employees to favour hybrid working (22%).  

Generous holiday allowances (18%) and financial wellbeing support (17%) were the top sought after workplace benefits for 18–24-year-olds. However, the study suggested the younger cohort may not be getting the benefits they desire, with 18-24-year-olds being the least satisfied with how their benefits suit their current life stage (59% compared to 69% on average). 

Stephanie Kelly, Chief People Officer at IRIS, said: “Hybrid working isn’t inherently the problem. The issue is that many managers haven’t been given the right training or tools to lead decentralised teams effectively. And it’s the younger staff paying the price.  

“Early careers are built on so much more than just doing the work. It’s the corridor conversations, watching how senior colleagues handle tricky situations, practicing your pitch on someone before the big meeting. When young professionals are working from their bedrooms, they’re missing those irreplaceable ‘aha’ moments that come from simply being around others. These aren’t nice-to-haves, they’re the building blocks of a career. 

“The solution isn’t to abandon hybrid working, but to get smarter about it. Managers need real support to keep teams connected, motivated and supported, regardless of location. Whether that’s through digital learning platforms, structured mentoring, or being more intentional about in-person time, we have to bridge this connection gap before we lose a generation of talent.” 

IRIS’ research finds that Gen Z employees feel the least supported: only 56% believe their company cares about their sense of belonging, compared with 77% of 25–34-year-olds and 78% of 35–44-year-olds. 

Stephanie Kelly added: “What’s fascinating is that Gen Z values work-life balance enormously, but not at the expense of their development. They want both. While older colleagues might see hybrid as the ultimate perk, younger staff would often trade some of that flexibility for more holiday or better financial support. 

“Smart businesses will stop assuming everyone wants the same things and start tailoring their approach. Those who do will see the difference in their retention rates, productivity, and ultimately, their bottom line.” 

For more information, visit: https://www.iris.co.uk/

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*Survey of 1,000 UK employees conducted by Censuswide, on behalf of IRIS Software Group, between 29 May – 2 June 2025 

About IRIS Software Group  
IRIS Software Group is a global provider of mission critical software and one of the UK’s largest privately held software companies. IRIS provides software solutions and services for finance, HR and payroll teams, educational organisations, and accountancy firms that takes the pain out of processes and lets professionals focus on the work they love. Through simplifying, automating and providing insights on everyday mission critical tasks for organisations of all shapes and sizes, IRIS ensures customers can look forward with certainty and confidence.  
  
IRIS is the largest third-party online filer with the UK Government. Ninety-three of the top 100 UK accountancy firms use IRIS software. One in six of the UK’s workforce is paid by IRIS payroll offerings, and globally, six million employees receive their payslip via IRIS software every month. More than 850,000 UK employees are managed by IRIS HR solutions. Over 12,000 UK schools and academies use IRIS, with four million parents and guardians using IRIS apps to connect with their children’s school; 300 million messages are delivered between schools and parents each year, and over £15 million transactional payments are processed every month. IRIS is certified as a Great Place to Work® and recognised as one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality in 2023. IRIS is also recognised as one of the Best Workplaces for Wellbeing, one of the Best Workplaces in Tech and one of the Best Workplaces for Women.  Follow IRIS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. More information on its award-winning software solutions can be found here.             

Media contact:   
IRIS Software Group
Jennifer Peters | Associate Director, PR and Communications    
news@irisglobal.com