Gen Z workers tend to stream during work hours

[WORLD] A recent survey by Tubi and The Harris Poll has unveiled that a significant majority of Generation Z workers are integrating streaming into their work routines. The study, conducted between October and November 2024, found that 84% of employed Gen Z individuals watch TV or movies while working. This trend highlights a shift in workplace dynamics and raises questions about productivity and work-life balance.

The boundaries between work and leisure are becoming increasingly blurred, especially among younger generations. For Gen Z workers, streaming content during work hours has become a common practice. This behavior not only reflects their media consumption habits but also their approach to multitasking and work-life integration.​

Key Findings from the Survey:

Prevalence of Streaming During Work: The survey revealed that 84% of Gen Z employees watch TV or movies while working. Nearly half of them (48%) admitted to lying to their bosses about it. Additionally, 53% reported delaying work to finish a show they were binge-watching. ​

Streaming as a Mental Break: Many Gen Z workers use streaming as a form of mental respite. 59% stated they turn to streaming when needing a break, surpassing other activities like listening to music (50%) or scrolling through social media (38%). ​

Resistance to Returning to Office: Over half of the respondents (52%) expressed reluctance to return to office environments, citing the loss of the flexibility to stream content during work hours as a significant factor. ​

Implications for Employers

The widespread habit of streaming during work hours poses challenges for employers. While some may view this as a decline in productivity, others argue that allowing employees to manage their work and leisure can lead to improved job satisfaction and mental well-being. Employers may need to reconsider traditional notions of productivity and explore flexible work arrangements that accommodate the evolving preferences of younger workers.​

Generational Shift in Media Consumption

The preference for streaming over traditional television is not limited to work habits. Gen Z viewers spend an average of 1 hour and 51 minutes daily streaming content, nearly three times more than the 38 minutes spent watching live television. This shift indicates a broader change in media consumption patterns, with younger generations favoring on-demand content over scheduled programming.

The integration of streaming into work routines among Gen Z workers underscores a significant shift in workplace culture and media consumption habits. As this generation continues to enter the workforce, employers may need to adapt to these changes by fostering environments that balance productivity with the personal preferences of their employees. Understanding and accommodating these habits could be key to attracting and retaining top talent in the evolving job market.