Imagine a workplace where streaming your favorite TV show is part of the daily routine—not just a late-night indulgence. For many in Gen Z, this is reality. As companies push for a return to traditional office life, younger employees are pushing back, not just over location, but over how they blend work and streaming entertainment.
A wave of resistance from Gen Z employees
The shift from cubicles to couches during the pandemic didn’t just change where work happens—it transformed how it’s done. Today, roughly half of Gen Z workers are hesitant or outright refusing to return to the office full time. Why? Because working from home gave them something unexpected: the freedom to binge-watch favorite shows while working.
This trend defies conventional norms about workplace focus and shines a light on the evolving workplace culture. Many younger workers don’t see streaming during work as a distraction but as a valuable way to manage their day and attention.
The rise of multitasking with streaming
A recent national survey by Tubi, a streaming platform owned by Fox Corporation, found that a staggering 84% of Gen Z employees stream TV shows or movies while working remotely. More than half admitted they’ve delayed work tasks just to keep watching a show they’re invested in.
Cynthia Clevenger, senior VP of B2B marketing at Tubi, describes this behavior as more than mere background noise: “For many young employees, streaming is part of how they take breaks, stay stimulated, and manage focus throughout the day.” This highlights how the younger generation’s approach to productivity blends work and leisure seamlessly.
“It’s not just passive background noise,” said Cynthia Clevenger. “It’s part of how they take breaks, stay stimulated, or even manage their focus throughout the day.”
Embracing this mindset could redefine traditional definitions of workplace productivity.
Filling social gaps with streaming
Remote work curtailed spontaneous in-office interactions—those casual coffee chats, the quick desk-side conversations. For Gen Z, streaming sometimes replicates that lost social texture. It’s not just about entertainment; it creates a sense of companionship and background “presence.”
However, this blending of work and streaming has alarmed some employers who worry about accountability and effective collaboration. Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, has been vocal about his skepticism of remote work for younger employees, advocating for a full office return to foster better teamwork and oversight.
Rethinking productivity and attention
The balance between streaming and working raises critical questions about modern productivity. A 2024 study by Workhuman, a leader in employee engagement analytics, revealed over 30% of Gen Z and millennial workers admitted engaging in “fauxductivity” — appearing busy but not actually focused. Meisha-ann Martin, the study’s senior director of people analytics, urges empathy: “Today’s employees face unprecedented pressures,” she said.
Simran Bhatia, head of people operations at Reality Defender, also noted that for remote workers—especially those with attention challenges like ADHD—streaming acts like a focus aid, similar to “body doubling,” a technique where working alongside another person helps maintain concentration.
Furthermore, Patrice Lindo, CEO of Career Nomad, suggests businesses should adapt their productivity standards to include alternative attention management strategies. Lindo says, “Streaming during work hours isn’t a productivity killer; it could be an adaptive tool in a rapidly evolving workplace.”
What this means for the future of work
The realities of Gen Z’s expectations around workplace flexibility and entertainment integration highlight a significant shift from traditional office paradigms. Companies clinging to the old norms risk alienating younger talent who see work as a blend of focus, stimulation, and personal comfort.
As employers navigate these changes, understanding the role streaming and multitasking play in younger workers’ lives will be essential to create engaging, productive work environments. Thoughtful policies that respect these habits while encouraging accountability could shape the future of work for years to come.
How do you feel about streaming shows during work hours? Are we witnessing a productivity revolution—or just a new chapter in work-life balance? Share your thoughts and experiences below. Let’s continue the conversation.