Some younger Britons love office work – others hate it (Image: Getty)
Half of Gen Z Britons struggle so much working ‘9-to-5’ hours, they want a ‘green’ day off once a month to explore nature and go for walks. A new study of 2,000 UK office workers aged 18-29, classed as ‘Generation Z’, revealed that many find traditional hours, too much screen time and grey offices leave them feeling trapped.
It’s not just the screens – a third (33%) can’t stand the commute, 30% hate the pressure of the office environment and one in four (25%) always ends up working late. Meanwhile 88% of Gen Z office staff say working inside all day has a negative impact on their mental health, with a further 30% admitting they feel ‘trapped’ behind walls and screens.
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It’s no surprise that 36% of 18–29-year-olds say being trapped in the office all day is depressing and makes them anxious (25%), with 83% worrying that they are spending “too much of their life indoors”.
The poll, commissioned by organic and plant based food company Ecotone, found that younger generations are increasingly desperate to swap desks for the great outdoors.
And 48% have even demanded a UK-wide, monthly paid ‘Green Day’ off for all British workers – to help them reconnect with nature.
Ann Chambers, HR Director at Ecotone UK said: “Our research shows younger workers in particular are feeling increasingly boxed in by modern office life.
“Green Leave is about recognising the value of time spent outdoors, not just for wellbeing, but for productivity, creativity and connection to the world around us.
“By encouraging employees to step outside during the working week, we hope to promote better mental and physical health, while also supporting nature and climate action. It’s a win for people, business and the planet.”
The study found on average, British office workers spend more than 12 hours inside during a typical working day, leaving them feeling sluggish (60%), tired (56%), frustrated (33%) and stressed (31%).
Two thirds (63%) say they are spending more time indoors now compared to three years ago.
When asked about their ideal working environment, 91% of Gen Z and Millennials said they would prefer to work outside or in nature some of the time, believing it would increase their productivity.
A further 49% admit that they would be more likely to stay in a job if their manager gave them a day off to spend in nature or volunteering for an environmental cause.
However, despite a potential boost in productivity, 67% percent complain their employer currently does nothing to encourage time outdoors during the working week.
In response Ecotone, which owns Clipper Teas and Kallo, has announced plans to launch ‘Green Leave’ – a new paid time-off initiative designed to help employees reconnect with nature while supporting the planet.
The scheme would offer non-manufacturing staff three days of paid leave per year to volunteer with an environmental charity allowing them to learn more about nature, give back to the environment and spend time outdoors.
To deliver the initiative, Ecotone is partnering with The Tree Council as a Tree Partner to help its team get outdoors and spend time amongst trees and nature.
Employees will support community planting projects to plant and care for trees, hedgerows and orchards, while learning new outdoor skills and taking part in nature-based experiences.
In addition, Ecotone will support the planting and care of over 1,000 trees in schools and communities across the UK over the next three years.
Sara Lom, Chief Executive at The Tree Council, adds: “The mental and physical health benefits of spending time outside in green spaces are huge.
“It’s easy to take nature for granted, but trees and hedgerows are our truly unsung heroes – they help tackle climate change, provide homes for thousands of species of precious wildlife, support our health and wellbeing, and so much more.
“By joining our Tree Partners programme, Ecotone is helping to grow a greener, tree-filled future and their teams get to spend some time outside.
“We’d love to see more employers giving their teams some regular paid time to give back to people, nature, and our planet.”