How Gen Z is reshaping workplace culture—from home

For some, working from home is a utopia of Teams calls in matching pajama sets, snack breaks when time allows and the occasional existential crisis at 2 p.m. when your dog is your only coworker. For others, it’s a chaotic mess of misplaced chargers, loud apartment neighbors and the constant temptation to scroll TikTok and think, “Why don’t I just become an influencer?” For me—a 23-year-old Gen Z PR pro navigating the agency world in my first job—it’s been a game-changer. A messy, beautiful, slightly unhinged game-changer. We Gen Zers were practically built for remote work life. We’ve been curating aesthetic desk setups since Pinterest was in its golden age. We’ve been managing digital relationships since Vine was still kicking. And we’ve been multitasking—listening to Spotify, Facetiming old friends and asking Google “What is the AP style rule for ...?” simultaneously—for as long as we can remember. So, when the corporate world told us we could work from home, we said, “Finally, you get it.” Ad Age Gen Z Contributor Column We welcome Gen Zers to submit fresh takes exploring Gen Z within the ad industry Learn more here But working from home isn’t all it may seem. In the PR world, where every day feels like a sprint, it’s taught me more about discipline, creativity and, oddly enough, boundaries, than any in-office experience. Productivity looks different for everyone In an office, there’s a natural rhythm. Mornings start with Starbucks. Afternoons are punctuated by impromptu desk drop-ins. At home, that rhythm is on you to create. For me, that means starting my day with my color-coded planner (yes, I am that person), lighting a candle to trick my brain into thinking it’s time to focus and tackling my inbox like it’s a sport. Sometimes, I am working at my desk. Other times, I’m drafting a pitch while sitting cross-legged on the floor and playing with my one-year-old Cavapoo because the floor’s vibe feels right that day. Working from home taught me that productivity isn’t about looking busy or sticking to a rigid schedule. It’s about finding what works for you and leaning into it—even if that means walking your dog mid-brainstorm to solve a creative roadblock. The art of overcommunication When you’re remote, communication is your lifeline. I’ve learned to overcommunicate in ways that feel intentional rather than annoying: Teams updates that are equal parts informative and mildly funny (because why not make work a little fun?); calls where I use the “hand raise” button (revolutionary, I know); and email subject lines so clear they’d make your English major mom cry tears of joy. Working remotely has sharpened my ability to articulate what I need and what I’ve accomplished—and also taught me that being transparent about when you’re available (or when you’re logging off) isn’t just professional; it’s necessary. Creativity thrives in sweatpants Whether you’re brainstorming buzzworthy campaigns or crafting the perfect headline, creativity is the currency. My best ideas have never come while sitting in a cubicle under fluorescent lights. They come when I’m wearing an oversized sweatshirt, blasting a niche playlist (preferably “Taylor Swift autumn scream afternoon”) and sipping a Nespresso oat milk latte I made in my apartment’s little kitchen. Working from home has given me the freedom to curate an environment where my creativity thrives. It also made me realize that creativity isn’t something you can force. Sometimes, it’s taking a midday walk or folding my laundry before the spark hits. And that’s OK—remote work lets you embrace those moments instead of fighting them. Working from home’s lesson: accountability When you work from home, there’s no one hovering over your shoulder to make sure you’re meeting deadlines or following up with that reporter you’re supposed to be pitching. It’s on you to hold yourself accountable. For a Gen Zer who’s used to instant gratification and constant feedback loops, this was an adjustment. But it’s been the most empowering part of my work-from-home journey. Data-Driven Marketing Playbook Join us May 22 in NYC to explore how data powers marketing Learn more here I’ve learned how to manage my time, prioritize tasks and own my wins. Whether it’s landing a client’s feature in a major outlet or successfully pulling off an event that my team has been planning for months, those wins feel even sweeter because I know I got there on my own accord and with the help of exceptionally talented teammates. The human connection factor One stereotype is that remote work makes you a hermit. And sure, I’ve had days where I didn’t talk to anyone until 5 p.m. when my roommate got home. But working from home has also made me more intentional about building relationships—with colleagues, clients and mentors. Weekly check-ins, meeting up for coffee chats and the occasional “Can we hop on a call for a quick sec?” have become ever-so-important for not only the quality of my work but also my mental health. Working from home has taught me that connection isn’t about proximity but about effort. It’s about sending a quick “If today were a Taylor Swift album, what would it be?” or hyping up a coworker’s win in our agency chat. Those moments of connection are what make this career—and this lifestyle—so fulfilling. What’s next? As Gen Z continues to take over the workplace, it’s clear that remote work isn’t going anywhere. And while it’s not perfect, it’s given me the space to grow as a young professional in ways I never expected. It’s taught me that work isn’t about where you are; it’s about what you bring to the table—or the couch, or the kitchen counter or wherever you’re working that day. See all of Ad Age’s 2025 Agency A-List winners here

How Gen Z is reshaping workplace culture—from home

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