What Gen Z wants in an office

Collaboration, office design and sustainability

The last 25 years have seen a huge shift in the way we live and work, with technological advances changing the office and our attitudes to work dramatically. It’s strange to think at the turn of the century fax machines (remember them!!) were still a common feature, mobile phones were only just going mainstream, photocopiers (and their uncanny ability to get jammed up with paper) were the bane of many an office junior’s life and after work or lunchtime drinks on a Friday were the norm.

Generation X (those of born between 1964 and 1980) and Millennials (1981 – 1996) will remember life before iPhones, cloud computing and remote working, but for the latest generation to join the workforce this technological wilderness is a world away from what they have always known. Tech-savvy Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2015, are now entering the workplace … and if businesses are going to attract the best young talent they need to make sure their offices appeal (especially after the Covid-19 threw the old work model up in the air).

In Deloitte’s 2022 Gen Z and Millennial Survey 75% of Gen Zs stated they prefer hybrid or remote working. However, it’s important to consider this in light of this generation’s experiences as a result of the global pandemic.

Face-to-face interaction

Most of Gen Z experienced some form of remote learning during university or school, or suddenly found themselves working from home in the early days of their first job.  Unsurprisingly many of them feel they missed out on important in-person connections and now value opportunities for team bonding, collaboration and mentorship highly. For Gen Z remote working lacks the interaction they are looking for to feel both professionally seen and personally fulfilled.

They want to feel part of vibrant office community and culture, which they believe is essential to building a strong team and a sense of belonging. They want access to casual social interactions – the chance to chat over a coffee and make friends in their workplace – and (especially at the start of their career) they want easy access to colleagues who can support and mentor them as they learn and develop their skills and recognise their potential. A common concern amongst this generation is that not being physically present in the office will reduce their visibility and the opportunities for advancement.

Flexible office design

Traditional office design, with employees packed into uninspiring banks of desks or cubicles, doesn’t’ work well for the modern working practices which have emerged in recent years. Gen Z (as well as many of their older counterparts) want offices which are centred on collaboration, which encourage team building and creativity. They want breakout spaces and informal seating areas, quiet zones. Office spaces which are well thought out, comfortable and places people want to spend time.

For Gen Z it is not about gimmicks, a pool table might be fun but it’s not really going to be the reason they choose to work for you. However, the extra amenities available in the building can make a difference to your employees and impact their desire to brave the commute and come into work. Are there racks for safely and securely storing bicycles? Can they have a shower and change if they cycle or run into work? Is there a gym? Outdoor space? Decent complementary coffee, tea and refreshments?

Sustainability

Gen Z are environmentally conscious. Growing up with these issues, climate concern genuinely matters to them, and as a generation they expect to see sustainability commitments from companies and organisations. Believing in personal (as well as public and global) accountability it is unsurprising this younger generation want to work for businesses which take these issues seriously, both in their overall policies and in their everyday approach. Research by KPMG in 2023 highlighted a one-third of young people in the UK rejected job offers due to the business’ sustainability stance.

Gen Z in particular want to work for organisations that embrace their eco-consciousness and are actively addressing environmental concerns. This means putting actions in place to reduce their carbon footprint, implementing recycling schemes, supporting charity initiatives and most importantly ensuring their policies are executed and not merely empty statements

At OSiT we put workspace environment and design at the heart of our office centres. Our buildings not only offer customised serviced office space, meeting rooms and conference facilities across the UK, but unique interior design, cutting edge technology and an array of additional amenities. We are an ideal solution for businesses who are looking for more flexibility than the traditional leased office model provides. Find out more about why a serviced office might be right for your business or come for a tour and learn more about what we offer you and your employees (Gen Z and older).