Forget pantyhose (or even pants for that matter), a recent study suggests that students and young professionals imagine their future work day to involve rolling over in bed, grabbing their laptop and preferred mobile device and diving into their work day.

According to the 2011 Cisco Connected World Technology Report that surveyed nearly 3000 students and young professionals (the Gen Y group aged 18-29) from all over the world, 7 out of 10 college students believe that it is unnecessary to be in the office regularly.

Not only do college students believe it’s unnecessary to work from an office regularly, 3 out of

5 believe that once they start working, it should be their right (not just a privilege) to work remotely with a flexible schedule.

Remote access & flexibility trumps higher pay

At least two of out five college students and young professionals said that they would turn down a higher paying job for a remote and more flexible (with regards to mobile device choice & social media access), but lower paying position.

As the fastest growing population in the workforce, does Gen Y have the power to change the world of cubicles, business casual and 9 to 5 as we know it?

This Gen Y young professional thinks so. With a generation of young professionals who are understanding and enforcing the fact that technology allows for a mobile workplace, some employers (even big businesses) have begun to take notice and implement more flexible work at home policies or “Results Only Work Environments” (ROWE), where as long as measurable goals are met, employees can work where and when they want.

For example, in a study conducted at a ROWE Best Buy headquarters office in Minnesota, it was discovered that employee turnover lessened and employees reported improved sleep quality, higher energy levels and reduced work-family conflict, thereby allowing them to be better invested both at work and in their personal lives.

The future of work is becoming increasingly mobile and flexible, and as a Gen Y member myself, I’m proud to say that we’re leading the way.

Have you ever turned down or left a position because workplace flexibility and mobility were restricted? Please share with us in the comments.