The Rise of Remote Work: How Streaming is Redefining the Way We Work
The New Normal
Many Gen Z employees stream their favourite movies and shows while working from home. (Envato Elements pic)
For many Gen Z employees, working from home is synonymous with binge-watching. A recent American study reveals that 84% of working people born between 1997 and 2012 admit to streaming movies or shows when working from home.
The Results
The Tubi platform surveyed more than 2,000 US adults aged 18 and over to find out more about their video streaming habits. The results showed that many members of Generation Z take advantage of remote working to stream their favourite movies and shows. More than half of them (53%) even admit to having postponed a work-related task to finish an episode or movie they’d already started.
The Line Between Concentration and Distraction
Some justify this by explaining that they use streaming platforms as background noise for work (54%), but the line between concentration and distraction seems very thin. For while the human brain can indeed alternate between certain simple tasks that have become more-or-less automatic, it performs poorly in multitasking mode.
Streaming as a Mental Outlet
Streaming, however, is more than just a form of entertainment. For many, it has become a veritable mental outlet. When they feel the need to disconnect for a mental break, 59% of those surveyed turn to streaming, well ahead of music (50%) or social networks (38%).
A New Conception of Work
Underneath this behaviour, another conception of work is taking shape – that of a generation that embraces its need for work-life balance. Indeed, 52% of respondents are reluctant to return to the office if it means saying goodbye to these moments of daytime streaming.
Conclusion
So, is this just a passing phase, or a real change in the way people relate to work? For Generation Z, streaming is not a luxury, but a way of achieving mental balance. The subject remains taboo in the workplace, but it’s clear that this trend says a lot about what Generation Z is really looking for – a more flexible, more humane working world, more in tune with everyone’s desires.
FAQs
- Is streaming a distraction or a way to relax?
- Both. Streaming can be a way to relax and recharge, but it can also be a distraction if not managed properly.
- Should working from home be restricted?
- Not necessarily. Being physically present in the office does not guarantee greater engagement. The real issue is trust.
- How can employers establish trust with their employees?
- By clarifying objectives, organizing regular reviews, and using transparent monitoring tools. These practices not only make for better steering of missions, but also foster a feeling of greater autonomy among employees.