Covid-19 hit in 2020, and since then, many facets of life have not been the same. 

For older Gen-Zs, their adult work life began at home--clocked in their bedrooms, far away from offices, and they never looked back. 

What started off in uncertainty, feared to be the end, and turned out temporary, was actually the building block to a very different future for the current 'it' generation. 

Today, 5 years post-pandemic, Gen-Zs thrive on working from home, flexible hours and the freedom to wear just about anything comfy. 

So, why did Covid-19 change everything?

A structure-free work life

Gen-Zs were shown a work life that was doable, without walls and cubicles. 

Clocking in still went down, deadlines were still met, KPIs were still set. Their idea of a professional environment begin with a playlist, a couple of pets and a lack of pants. 

Flexibility is a one-way street

Many Gen-Zs today, pick jobs that offer flexibility. Some even only stay in jobs because of it. 

During the pandemic, they were opened to a world that proved jobs wasn't the big picture, but rather just a contributing factor to the big picture--one that was very easily bent to fit their lives. 

What began as a global crisis became a career-defining moment for Gen Z. The pandemic didn't just disrupt their entry into the workforce, it redesigned it. 

Five years on, this generation isn't just surviving in the new world, they've found a way to thrive; i.e. productivity doesn't need a cubicle, and success doesn't require a suit. 

As a matter of fact, the remote-first mindset is now influencing how companies think, hire, and grow. 

So, is that the future of work? Maybe. But could that future already be here? Definitely.