What does Generation Z require from the office?

Key takeaways: what does Generation Z require from the office?

• a transparent office layout (rather than a hierarchical one)
• private areas for personal discussions
• breakout areas fostering mental well-being
• technology-free spaces
• meeting hubs for socialisation
• high-quality training spaces for skill improvement

Brief summary: who are Gen Zers?

Also referred to as Zoomers, Gen Zers were born between 1995 – 2012. As the current youth, they represent the most multicultural generation in American history. More than just tech-savvy, they are true tech natives, having experienced the emergence of mobile technologies since their early childhood. In fact, they don’t actually remember the world from before the Internet.

Gen Zers are known for their assertiveness and adamancy.

And this opinion is justified. They’ve endured the hardships of global disasters, economic crises, and a pandemic. Growing up amid constant exposure to the world’s events, they had to navigate complexities from an early age.

What were millennials’ nice-to-haves have now become must-haves for Gen Zers.

For instance, regarding hybrid work flexibility, 71% of 18-24 year-olds claim they would consider other job options if their current employer insisted on returning to full-time office work.

Although they prioritise flexibility, Gen Zers appreciate the physical office, too.

In fact, Gen Z missed the office more than any other generation, especially as many entered the job market during the pandemic, and experienced prolonged periods of isolation. As a result, some Gen Zers went for months without meeting other team members face-to-face, navigating their professional journey without any peers’ support from the onset. Another challenge they faced was the lack of personal attention from their supervisors.

So, what does Generation Z require from the office?

Firstly, a transparent layout (rather than a hierarchical one).

Imagine open workspaces ensuring seamless communication.

Workspaces offering bookable pods (check our Hushoffice collection) instead of separate offices or cubicles, with mobile whiteboard space dividers that allow team members to create dynamic makeshift workspaces.

They also need private environments for more personal discussions.

Generation Z values an intimate coaching style of management that emphasises personal guidance, preferring encouragement over micromanagement. And they need regular feedback, particularly when working remotely part-time

– says Mateusz Barczyk, Senior Brand Manager, Hushoffice.

Much of our contemporary working environment is digital, and for Generation Z it goes beyond that as their lives are intertwined with digital technologies. That’s why Gen Zers crave interpersonal connection, or more precisely, face-to-face communication to provide balance to the remote-work isolation. This is especially essential for new hires who need more guidance. According to a study, 40% of Gen Zers want day-to-day interaction with their supervisor; otherwise, they feel concerned.

Surprisingly, many Gen Zers favour traditional communication in the workplace.

Indeed, 72% of Gen Zers favour face-to-face communication with their supervisors and peers. This preference partly stems from their concern and uncertainty they experience unless provided with frequent feedback. Since many are recent university graduates accustomed to regular attention from both professors and colleagues, they find real-time communication reassuring.

Consider providing breakout zones for relaxation to foster mental well-being.

Gen Zers will stay committed only to employers who prioritise their mental  well-being

– says Mateusz Barczyk, Senior Brand Manager, Hushoffice.

Generation Z is more stressed out and anxious than any other generation. Therefore, it’s hardly surprising that 66% of Gen Zers would like their employers to invest more resources to enhance their mental well-being, or that 82% would welcome frequent mental health days in the office. Additional perks they value include paid time off and regular team events.

Unlike millennials, Gen Zers aren’t workaholics.

Work isn’t a big part of their identity –  in their opinion, life should be more about moderation. This viewpoint is understandable, given all the heaviness they’ve observed in their lives. In essence, Generation Z wants to live their lives to the fullest.

They don’t feel the need to work their fingers to the bone.

Neither are they attracted to the glamour of hustle culture. Instead, they are in touch with their feelings and desires, having grown up expressing their thoughts online and putting in their two cents on all the world’s affairs.

Their “anti-work” approach sends a clear message: Gen Zers are unlikely to break their backs for a job.

They want a good life. In fact, the number of Gen Zers practising mindfulness is double that of baby boomers. So, if you want to attract and retain them, your workplace must meet a wide range of needs, including social, emotional, and financial demands.

Find out more: 5 ways to prevent open office burnout.

Introduce a few technology-free retreats within the office.

It’s true that Generation Z doesn’t actually remember the world from before the Internet. Keenly aware of the detrimental influence of technology, some Gen Zers even decide to abandon their smartphones (find out more about the anti-addiction or anti-distraction movement).

Introducing a few technology-free retreats within the office can aid Generation Z in enhancing their digital mindfulness, thereby improving their overall well-being. A culture that supports employees in maintaining a healthy relationship with technology can attract Gen-Zers seeking work-life balance

– says Mateusz Barczyk, Senior Brand Manager, Hushoffice.

Provide meeting hubs to foster camaraderie. Gen Zers are done with social isolation.

Generation Z bore a particularly heavy burden of the pandemic, isolated from their peers while entering adulthood. Starting their first job also wasn’t an easy task, beginning in isolation without the bustling energy of a physical workspace

– explains Mateusz Barczyk, Senior Brand Manager, Hushoffice.

Then came the struggles of remote work every single day, lacking the variety of an office environment. This occurred at an age when individuals require socialisation and stimulation to establish a strong sense of self. Thus, Gen Zers will simply not accept more loneliness. Their workspace must facilitate building connections.

Provide high-quality training spaces for skill improvement.

Unlike millennials, who are mostly driven by purpose, Gen Zers prioritise security. 65% find remuneration significant, and 70% point to salary as their key motivator. In this respect, they are really pragmatic, which makes perfect sense given their experience with a series of insecurities.

For Generation Z, security is strongly connected with career development.

According to 76% of Gen Z employees, learning forms the foundation of a successful career. They seek opportunities to improve skills and progress in their careers, focusing on professional growth and emerging as highly valuable team members. This is why the office is so essential to them – it’s the physical space where they wish to be present, demonstrating their competence face-to-face to other team members.

Although Gen Zers are inclined to change jobs if they don’t feel respected, they generally prefer long-term employment with a single employer as job hopping doesn’t provide them with necessary stability

– says Mateusz Barczyk, Senior Brand Manager, Hushoffice.

So, what can we generally say about Generation Z?

They are individuals who know what they want, and are not afraid to request it. Their ideal office environment promotes socialisation, mental well-being and skill development, while also fostering a positive work atmosphere and supporting work-life balance. Meeting these expectations is essential to attract and retain the dynamic generation reshaping today’s job market.

Key takeaways: what does Generation Z require from the office?

• a transparent office layout (rather than a hierarchical one)
• private areas for personal discussions
• breakout areas fostering mental well-being
• technology-free spaces
• meeting hubs for socialisation
• high-quality training spaces for skill improvement

Gen Zers in the workplace – frequently asked questions

What do Gen Zers expect from the workplace?

Generation Z, also called Zoomers, seek to work for companies who share their values. As they are more susceptible to mental health issues compared to other generations, their workplace should facilitate psychological well-being. Since they are not willing to go above and beyond at work, Gen Zers prioritise genuine work-life balance and will not hesitate to change jobs if they don’t achieve it.

What kind of offices meet Gen Zers’ expectations?

Gen Zers prefer a transparent office layout over a hierarchical one. They require private environments for personal discussions and appreciate regular feedback from colleagues and supervisors. Breakout areas fostering mental well-being are essential to provide a break from omnipresent technology. Additionally, the workplace should offer meeting hubs enabling social interaction they desire.

What drives Gen Zers in the workplace?

While millennials are driven by purpose, Gen Zers’ main motivation is security. In fact, 65% find remuneration significant, and 70% point to salary as their key motivator.