As a new survey shows young people have become unhappy working from home, ISE delves into its data to consider hybrid working trends.
A Bupa survey of 8,000 UK workers shows that four in ten 16-to-24 year olds have become unhappy while working from home – a significantly higher proportion than any other age group.
Their work situation is creating feelings of loneliness and isolation as they crave the social interactions more akin with office environments.
The challenges of working at home have become increasingly evident. In fact, ISE’s annual Student Development Survey shows that more than a third of respondents perceive that their recent entry level hires’ willingness to attend in person training events (33%) and the office/workplace (22%) has increased this year.
Support for young people in the office
The ISE community has long talked of the necessity for in-person training and development and line manager support in a hybrid working world.
Yet, an earlier survey by Prospects at Jisc found a mis-match between early talent needs and manager availability.
Similarly, this year’s Prospects Early Careers Survey found entry-level employees were most likely to attend the workplace (67%, up from 58% last year), whereas those in executive and management positions were more likely to have hybrid or remote working arrangements.
Ben Harrison, director of the Work Foundation, told The Times, “A rise in hybrid and remote working practices can risk many young people feeling disconnected from their colleagues and employer.
“While flexibility at work can be beneficial for all age groups, it’s critical that employers proactively provide young people with secure employment opportunities that feature clear routes to progression, the opportunity to learn from and build relationships with colleagues on a regular basis, and supportive and engaged line management that can make a big difference when young people face challenges in the workplace.”
Hybrid work trends
While young people benefit from in-person experiences, opportunities for home working continue to be attractive.
The Prospects survey found 66% of those planning to leave their employer this year were attending the workplace full time. Those not planning to leave were more likely to be working in a hybrid way (43%) and less likely to attend the workplace (47%).
ISE’s annual Student Development Survey shows that hybrid working has consistently remained the norm in today’s workforce.
For graduate hires, 94% of employers in 2025, 91% in 2024, and 93% in 2023 have followed this model. For school and college leavers, 84% of employers in 2025, 90% in 2024 and 89% in 2023 have used a hybrid working model.
Most respondents reported this year that their graduates worked from home one or two days a week (82%), while 13% indicated that graduates worked from home three or four days a week. Similarly, 72% said school and college leavers worked from home one or two days and 12% three or four days a week.
There are slight differences between the two groups. Notably, there is a gradual shift back to fully office - or site-based work among school and college leavers (16% in 2025; 10% in 2024; 8% in 2023), whereas this trend has not been evidenced amongst graduates. Fewer graduates were working fully in the office this year (6% in 2025) compared to last year (9% in 2024).
For the last two years, no graduates or school and college leavers have been reported to be working fully from home.
Young people require physical presence for certain tasks and training, and the opportunity to learn from peers and managers is vital, but balance is key. Taking away their ability to work from home can limit their desire for a role.