A new report exploring key workplace issues in the global banking and financial services sector from ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) has revealed stark generational differences in working patterns that could have implications for talent development in financial services.
Over 900 finance professionals representing the banking and financial services sector worldwide took part in ACCA’s Global talent trends 2026 survey on issues ranging from career ambitions, AI concerns, sustainability, social impact, inter-generational collaboration and working patterns.
Over half of the youngest cohort of respondents, Gen Z (52%), report working full time in the office – compared with only 33% of Gen X, and 14% of Baby Boomers.
Jamie Lyon, Head of Skills, Sector and Technology at ACCA, said: ‘Time spent with older and often more experienced colleagues in the workplace is an important part of gaining useful real-world experience in the workplace for younger employees, and it’s helpful for driving more effective cross-generational collaboration at work. This mismatch also carries possible implications for future skills development and workplace culture assimilation. Financial services employers need to carefully consider how best to ensure a balanced approach to office presence to optimise workforce collaboration and learning opportunities, particularly as the data also shows that the majority of employees preferred working pattern is hybrid working.’
The survey also found that 55% of employees believe time spent in the office has a positive impact on promotion opportunities. The majority of respondents in the sector (61%) agree that organisations should require employees to spend a set number of days in the office.