For many Gen Zers and millennials, the traditional 9-to-5 routine no longer fits their preferred working style. Instead, they find their productivity peak as the sun sets and prefer to begin their workday at 6 p.m. This insight comes from a recent study conducted by Adobe, which surveyed over 5,500 workers around the globe, including in the U.K., the U.S. and Japan.
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The research revealed a distinct contrast between the youngest and oldest generations in terms of preferred working hours. Gen Zers, in particular, were over three times more likely than baby boomers to thrive during the late-night hours, with 26% of them reporting the highest productivity between 6 p.m. and 3 a.m. Comparatively, 18% of millennials and 13% of Gen Xers expressed peak productivity after hours.
The business world has traditionally favored early birds, with studies consistently showing that night owls face challenges in achieving success. As workers grow older, their nighttime productivity tends to decline. This could be because of the demands of more senior positions that often require early starts or years of adapting to the conventional working hours that may reshape one’s productivity preferences.
With the rise of remote work and Gen Z projected to comprise 25% of the workforce by 2025, businesses may need to consider adjusting their working hours to accommodate night-owl professionals. Approximately 70% of young workers indicated they would consider leaving their current jobs for positions offering more control over their schedules, while two-thirds expressed a willingness to change jobs for the opportunity to work remotely.
Employers who fail to provide flexible working policies risk losing out on attracting and retaining the next generation of talent. According to Adobe’s research, half of Gen Z workers are planning to leave their current employers because of time and productivity struggles.
The researchers behind the study note that younger employees are subtly demanding workplace and schedule flexibility as essential factors not only for their retention but also for their effective work performance. As the working preferences of young professionals, particularly Gen Z and millennials, shift toward starting their workday in the evening, businesses may need to adapt to accommodate their night-owl productivity.
The flexibility offered by remote work and adjustable schedules becomes crucial in attracting and retaining the next generation of talent.
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