Milkround News, 08 December 2008
Graduates resist flexible working in favour of a traditional job environment.

Research by Vodafone has found two thirds of managers believe technology and the rise of flexible working will change the way we work entirely but many younger people, including graduates, still yearn for a more traditional workplace with traditional working hours.

According to the report, one in five 16-25 year olds believe flexible working practices reduces a sense of community at work – a figure which drops to just 15 percent of those who have been working for two decades or more.

This comes despite business commentators and technology companies claiming techno-savvy young people are want to abandon tradition and lead the charge away from the office and the nine-to-five routine. Although working cultures are changing, creating new kinds of companies and employees, the report demonstrates that managers should also proceed with caution and patience because there is still a strong connection, especially among younger people, to the sense of community that a traditional workplace can provide.

Peter Kelly of Vodafone UK claims it is all about striking the right balance and creating the right remote working policies. He said: “Flexible working means different things to different people and we must be careful not to make assumptions. The great promise of technology is to allow people to work in the way that makes them the most productive and happy.

"Many assume that because the young are more tech-savvy that they will want to use technology to re-define their work environment, and indeed they may. However we should not forget that being around colleagues, collaborating with customers, partners and peers face to face, and socialising with these people are also very important aspects of working life. Flexible working should not solely mean remote or virtual working – it should be about having the right tools and information accessible wherever you choose to work."

David Cumberbatch, director at business psychology firm Xancam, says: "While over half of 16-25 years old believe that socialising inside and outside of work is both important and enjoyable, older workers said that they no longer prioritise making friends in the workplace and prefer to spend time with family and non-work friends."