Remote Work Predicted to Rebound
What happened
As Baby Boomer and Gen X managers retire, working from home is predicted to make a significant comeback, according to new research. The shift is expected to be driven by Millennial and Gen Z professionals who will increasingly occupy leadership roles and favor flexible work arrangements. This trend could influence member schedules, shifting demand for fitness classes away from traditional peak hours.
Why it matters
- In Great Britain, more than a quarter (28%) of the workforce engaged in hybrid work between January and March 2025, a model most common among those aged 30-49 and higher earners. Specifically, 45% of individuals earning over £50,000 adopt a hybrid schedule. - The management shift is significant, as digitally native Millennial managers often favor collaborative, inclusive leadership styles and prioritize work-life balance for their teams, directly contrasting with traditional hierarchical structures. - While 84% of Millennials desire more remote work options, some research indicates Gen Z's preference is more nuanced; one Gallup poll found only 23% of Gen Z wanted fully remote work, compared to 35% of Millennials. Younger remote workers are also more likely to report feelings of loneliness. - The rise of remote work has been linked to a decrease in overall physical activity. Studies show that home-based employees take fewer steps and are 35% more likely to report decreased physical activity compared to their in-office counterparts. - In response to these health trends, the adoption of corporate wellness programs for remote employees saw a 40% increase during the pandemic. Companies with robust wellness programs have been found to experience 41% lower absenteeism and a 65% reduction in employee turnover in high-stress roles. - As digital natives, both Millennial and Gen Z professionals expect modern, tech-savvy experiences in all aspects of their lives. For fitness studios, this translates to seamless online booking systems, the integration of wearable technology data, and potentially offering on-demand or virtual class options. - The growth in flexible work is fueling the "gig economy," which could impact instructor hiring and retention. Successful studios often build clear career pathways and foster a strong sense of community and culture across multiple locations to attract and retain top talent. - Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that workers aged 30 to 49 are the most likely group to be hybrid workers, a key demographic for boutique fitness studios. This group's less predictable schedules may require more varied class times outside of traditional pre- and post-work peak hours.
Key numbers
- - In Great Britain, more than a quarter (28%) of the workforce engaged in hybrid work between January and March 2025, a model most common among those aged 30-49 and higher earners.
- Specifically, 45% of individuals earning over £50,000 adopt a hybrid schedule.
- While 84% of Millennials desire more remote work options, some research indicates Gen Z's preference is more nuanced; one Gallup poll found only 23% of Gen Z wanted fully remote work, compared to 35% of Millennials.
- Studies show that home-based employees take fewer steps and are 35% more likely to report decreased physical activity compared to their in-office counterparts.
What happens next
- As digital natives, both Millennial and Gen Z professionals expect modern, tech-savvy experiences in all aspects of their lives.
- The growth in flexible work is fueling the "gig economy," which could impact instructor hiring and retention.
- This group's less predictable schedules may require more varied class times outside of traditional pre- and post-work peak hours.
Quick answers
What happened in Remote Work Predicted to Rebound?
As Baby Boomer and Gen X managers retire, working from home is predicted to make a significant comeback, according to new research. The shift is expected to be driven by Millennial and Gen Z professionals who will increasingly occupy leadership roles and favor flexible work arrangements. This trend could influence member schedules, shifting demand for fitness classes away from traditional peak hours.
Why does Remote Work Predicted to Rebound matter?
In Great Britain, more than a quarter (28%) of the workforce engaged in hybrid work between January and March 2025, a model most common among those aged 30-49 and higher earners. Specifically, 45% of individuals earning over £50,000 adopt a hybrid schedule. The management shift is significant, as digitally native Millennial managers often favor collaborative, inclusive leadership styles and prioritize work-life balance for their teams, directly contrasting with traditional hierarchical structures. While 84% of Millennials desire more remote work options, some research indicates Gen Z's preference is more nuanced; one Gallup poll found only 23% of Gen Z wanted fully remote work, compared to 35% of Millennials. Younger remote workers are also more likely to report feelings of loneliness. The rise of remote work has been linked to a decrease in overall physical activity. Studies show that home-based employees take fewer steps and are 35% more likely to report decreased physical activity compared to their in-office counterparts. In response to these health trends, the adoption of corporate wellness programs for remote employees saw a 40% increase during the pandemic. Companies with robust wellness programs have been found to experience 41% lower absenteeism and a 65% reduction in employee turnover in high-stress roles. As digital natives, both Millennial and Gen Z professionals expect modern, tech-savvy experiences in all aspects of their lives. For fitness studios, this translates to seamless online booking systems, the integration of wearable technology data, and potentially offering on-demand or virtual class options. The growth in flexible work is fueling the "gig economy," which could impact instructor hiring and retention. Successful studios often build clear career pathways and foster a strong sense of community and culture across multiple locations to attract and retain top talent. Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that workers aged 30 to 49 are the most likely group to be hybrid workers, a key demographic for boutique fitness studios. This group's less predictable schedules may require more varied class times outside of traditional pre- and post-work peak hours.
