A new survey has revealed that over a third of young UK workers aged 18-24 are struggling to make friends in the workplace, with remote working and reduced in-person interactions contributing to the challenge. The study, conducted by Manchester-based co-working operator Colony, surveyed 2,000 office-based employees across the UK to better understand how social connections are formed in today’s hybrid work environments.
According to the findings, 37% of 18-24-year-olds described forming workplace friendships as either “very difficult” or “somewhat difficult.” This is slightly higher than older age groups, with 36% of 25-34-year-olds and just 23% of those over 55 reporting the same challenge.
The lack of face-to-face interaction was highlighted as the primary roadblock for young workers, with 33% identifying this as the key barrier to building relationships at work. The pandemic-driven shift towards hybrid and remote working has resulted in fewer opportunities for spontaneous, in-person conversations, which have traditionally played a vital role in fostering workplace friendships.
Despite being part of the tech-savvy Generation Z, young workers still value real-life connections with their colleagues. While they may be comfortable forming friendships online through social media or gaming platforms, with nearly 20% of respondents saying they had made close friends in this way, many are seeking more meaningful in-person interactions.
Colony’s survey also indicated that younger workers are keen to blend their work and social lives more than older generations. Only 15% of 18-24-year-olds said they preferred to keep these aspects of their lives separate, compared to 34% of the overall workforce. This suggests a desire among younger employees for a more integrated approach, where the workplace is not just a space for professional collaboration but also a social hub.
However, the survey identified shyness (28%) and time pressures (28%) as additional challenges young workers face in building friendships. Many reported that their busy job roles leave little time for non-work-related conversations, while others noted that finding common interests with colleagues can be difficult.
To address these issues, young workers are calling for more opportunities to connect with their peers during the workday. Over 36% of respondents said they wanted more access to communal spaces where they can socialise, and 31% expressed a desire for more social events during office hours. Coffee breaks were also seen as a valuable opportunity to catch up with colleagues.
Reflecting on the findings, Jamie Halliday, Head of Marketing at Colony, said: “Contrary to popular belief, young workers are eager to form genuine, personal connections in the office. While they may be comfortable using online platforms, they value spontaneous face-to-face moments that help build deeper relationships. Employers must recognise this need and create work environments that foster social interaction.”
The survey highlights the ongoing effects of the pandemic on workplace dynamics. Many younger workers entered the workforce during a period of remote work, which may have made it harder to form connections. However, 41% of 18-24-year-olds also reported that hybrid working had a positive impact on existing friendships, suggesting that balancing remote and in-person work could be key to building strong office relationships in the future.
