Generation Alpha expects flexibility and technology to reshape work by 2040, IWG study finds

New research from International Workplace Group suggests that Generation Alpha expects a fundamental shift in how work is structured by 2040, with flexibility, technology, and reduced commuting becoming defining features of working life. The study, conducted among 11 to 17-year-olds and their parents, explored how expectations of work may evolve by the time Generation Alpha becomes the dominant cohort in the global workforce.

The findings indicate that 86 percent of Generation Alpha believe their working lives will differ dramatically from those of their parents. Office routines, long commutes, and established communication tools are expected to give way to more fluid working patterns, supported by advanced technologies and new approaches to productivity.

According to the study, traditional office life as it is known today may become largely unrecognisable within the next 15 years. Younger respondents anticipate a future where work is organised around outcomes rather than location, and where technology enables people to work closer to where they live, or remotely, without sacrificing collaboration or efficiency.

The decline of the daily commute and changing priorities

One of the most significant shifts identified in the research relates to commuting. Only 29 percent of Generation Alpha expect to spend more than 30 minutes travelling to work each day, signalling a strong move away from long daily commutes. Most respondents anticipate having the option to work closer to home or to choose work locations that better fit their personal lives.

Reducing time lost to commuting was identified as a major priority for 75 percent of respondents. Many see shorter or eliminated commutes as a way to spend more time with family, particularly if they become parents in the future. This preference reflects broader attitudes towards work-life balance and personal wellbeing, which appear to be deeply embedded in Generation Alpha’s expectations.

The study also highlights how these views align with wider trends in urban planning and workforce behaviour, particularly in densely populated cities. In Singapore, commuting time is already a key factor influencing job satisfaction and employment decisions. Generation Alpha is expected to inherit and intensify this preference for convenience and proximity, reinforcing demand for flexible and decentralised workspaces.

As infrastructure continues to improve and hybrid working becomes more accepted, the research suggests that proximity to work will increasingly shape career choices. Employers that fail to adapt to these expectations may find it harder to attract younger talent in the years ahead.

AI, robots, and the end of familiar workplace tools

Technology is expected to play a central role in shaping the future workplace. The study found that 88 percent of Generation Alpha expect to work regularly with artificial intelligence, smart assistants, or robots. These technologies are seen as standard tools rather than novel additions, reflecting how deeply digital experiences already shape younger generations’ daily lives.

Beyond automation and AI, respondents anticipate a range of new workplace technologies becoming commonplace. These include virtual reality headsets for immersive meetings, personalised environmental controls, augmented reality meeting rooms, and dedicated spaces for rest or recreation within work environments. Such features point towards a more customised and experience-driven approach to workspaces.

Perhaps one of the most striking predictions is the anticipated decline of email. Around 32 percent of respondents believe email will no longer be in use by 2040, replaced by faster and more efficient collaboration platforms. This reflects a broader frustration with slow and fragmented communication tools, and a preference for real-time, integrated systems.

Governments and education systems are already responding to these shifts. In Singapore, efforts are underway to build an AI-fluent workforce, with schools integrating AI tools into learning and national programmes promoting digital literacy. These initiatives aim to prepare future workers for an environment where AI-enabled tools are embedded in everyday tasks rather than treated as specialised skills.

Hybrid work as the default model

The research also points to hybrid working becoming the standard model by 2040. Eighty-one percent of Generation Alpha expect flexible working arrangements to be the norm, allowing employees to choose how and where they work based on the task at hand. Only 17 percent expect to work from a single, central office full time.

Most respondents foresee splitting their time between home, local workspaces, and central offices. This approach is viewed as a way to balance focus, collaboration, and personal wellbeing. Reduced travel stress, more time with friends and family, and improved health were among the most commonly cited benefits of moving away from rigid office models.

Productivity is also expected to improve as a result of greater flexibility. A third of respondents believe that a four-day working week will be standard by 2040, driven by more efficient use of time and technology. While such models are still emerging in many markets, the study suggests that younger generations see reduced working hours as compatible with high performance.

Commenting on the findings, Mark Dixon, Founder and CEO of IWG, said: “The next generation of workers have made their views clear; flexibility in where and how they work is not optional, but a must. The current generation have grown up seeing their parents waste time and money on long, daily commutes and technology today has effectively rendered them redundant. Technology has always shaped the world of work and will continue to do so. 30 years ago saw the transformative impact of the widespread adoption of email and today the advent of AI and robots is having an equally profound impact and will influence how and where Gen Alpha work tomorrow.”

The study underscores a broader shift in how work is defined, organised, and experienced. As Generation Alpha prepares to enter the workforce, expectations around flexibility, technology, and wellbeing are set to challenge long-standing assumptions about productivity and workplace design.