Workspaces of the future - as Gen Z imagines and prefers them to turn out
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Gen Z is the generation that has experienced a digital-first world from the very beginning and is now in the process of redefining traditional work norms.
Bottled up and brought up with technology, the young Z'ers are skilled at handling digital tools for communication, collaboration and productivity.
Their innate comfort with technology inspires them to challenge all conventional office models they perceive as restrictive and hopelessly outdated.
Generation Z swears by flexibility and prefers open-plan spaces and areas, designs, breakout rooms, social hubs, brainstorming zones, informal meeting areas with writing surfaces, digital boards, and video facilities.
More challenging
"Generation Z's greatest strength is their tendency to challenge the status quo more than other generations. These conversations and experiences are where innovation and creativity thrive.
One of Gen Z's defining characteristics is their strong sense of social and environmental responsibility," American Chief Workplace Psychologist Benjamin Granger says.
  Companies are currently busy meeting Gen Zs by adapting office spaces, areas and environments to the new values and workflows of the upcoming young employees. Photos: iStock |
Gen Z is definitely revolutionizing the corporate world. Their digital skills, desire for flexibility, dedication to meaningful work, and entrepreneurial mindset are transforming business practices.
Companies that welcome these changes and establish environments that align with Gen Z's values and work habits will be well-prepared for future success.
Social interaction
Thus, the labour market's future dominant employee generation and its needs currently involve almost all new office buildings, from the drawing board to furniture design.
Social interaction and flexibility are the keywords for shaping the office environments that make Gen Z employees thrive and contribute to knowledge sharing, interdisciplinary collaborations and the company's growth.
 A Gen Z-tailored workspace environment will include flexible seating options such as bean bags, standing desks, ergonomic chairs accomodating diferent work styles, and quiet zones with pods for focused work and video calls. |
A Gen Z-tailored workspace environment will surely include tech-optimized workstations with desk built-in charging stations, wireless charging pads and plenty of USB ports.
Also, you will need flexible seating options such as bean bags, standing desks, and ergonomic chairs accommodating different work styles, as well as quiet zones with soundproof booths or pods for focused work and video calls.
Hub for engagement
Although Generation Z values flexibility, including remote and hybrid work, new studies indicate they are actually and increasingly attracted to communities, interactions, and inclusions in various workspace environments.
Recent research reveals that 65% of Gen Z workers support some form of return-to-office (RTO) policy, which exceeds the proportion within the general population, which stands at 51%.
 Although Gen Z values flexibility, including remote and hybrid work, recent studies indicate they are actually and increasingly attracted to communities, interactions, and inclusions in various workspace environments. |
"Gen Z seeks workplaces that offer flexibility, prioritize diversity, embrace technology, and contribute to positive social impact. Employers must adapt to these preferences to attract and retain this rising workforce.
This new generation definitely understands that the physical workplace is a hub for engagement and social interaction that contributes to a richer work experience," as one of the surveys concludes. ●
Read more:
Workdesign.com: Preparing your office for Gen Z
Archdaily.com: What is Gen Z looking for in the workplace
Wwt.com: Ready or not, Gen Z is transforming the workplace
Cnbc.com: Gen Z’s outspokenness is one of their greatest strengths in the workplace
