It’s been over four years since makeshift desks and Zoom fatigue became the norm. Yet in a plot twist few expected, it’s Gen Z, the digital natives, and TikTok generation, who are leading the charge back to the office.

For executive search firms, fintech employers, and high-performing sales teams, this shift isn’t just a generational quirk. It’s redefining what makes a role appealing and high performing.

From Zoom Back to the Boardroom

In the wake of COVID-19, working from home was a golden promise offering flexibility, autonomy, and the end of commuting. But fast-forward to 2025, and the tide is shifting. A Financial Times piece recently highlighted a growing trend: Gen Z professionals increasingly want to work in an office. They’re not being dragged back, they’re opting in.

Why? For starters, many younger professionals simply don’t have the space or quiet to work effectively from home. With flat shares, studio apartments, and noisy roommates, a corporate office offers something their personal environment doesn’t: focus and structure.

Then there’s the social factor. Work is about more than just output, it’s also where connections, learning, and mentorship happen. And in sales and fintech especially, those conversations and spontaneous brainstorms can make all the difference between a decent performer and a top-tier hire.

The Salesperson’s Perspective

In sales, presence is power. There’s a reason so many elite sales professionals have welcomed a return to the office, the sales floor is hard to replicate in isolation.

Being physically present with colleagues, hearing how others handle objections, or watching a manager’s body language during negotiation coaching builds confidence and capability. These are things Zoom rarely delivers.

For those early in their careers, especially in fast-moving fintech startups or scaleups, visibility can drive velocity. It’s how you get noticed, promoted, and ultimately how you accelerate earnings.

What This Means for Hiring (and Retention)

From a recruitment perspective, this shift matters. Office flexibility has long been seen as a talent magnet, but what if it’s becoming a repellent for some candidates?

We’ve seen roles fall apart at offer stage because of rigid WFH policies and seen candidates walk away from hybrid roles because they don’t want the commute. The point? There’s no one-size-fits-all. But the tide is turning, and leaders need to read the room.

For fintech employers competing for top sales talent, the message is clear: create environments that support both collaboration and performance. This might mean:

• Offering flexible, office-first environments with structured in-office days

• Building culture that rewards presence, not just performance

• Investing in mentorship and training programs that happen in real life

Full Circle

Gen Z’s return to the office is simply a reminder of how cyclical workplace preferences can be. The grass is always greener, until it isn’t.

Ultimately, the best workplaces will be the ones that can offer choice and clarity, meeting the needs of both seasoned sales pros who thrive in autonomy, and ambitious Gen Zers looking for structure and community.

Are you seeing office expectations become a sticking point in your sales hiring process? We are, and we’re helping fintech leaders navigate it every day. Reach out today to stay ahead of the curve and build the right talent strategy for your organisation.