Gen Z is reshaping office design

Gen Z employees have been raised in a digital age, and you can tell they are different because they value workplaces that mirror their tech-savvy lifestyles. These new entrants are determined to change how things are done, and one thing is very clear—they don’t like rigid cubicles and fixed working environments. This explains why most employers are embracing Gen Z office design aspects.

Another noteworthy feature of Gen Z is that they prefer an environment that supports mental and physical health. Think spaces with ample natural light, ergonomic furniture, and a few potted plants on the working desk. That is not all they want, but you are better off starting with the basics.

Before you design an office for your employees, ask yourself what they want and why. If you can answer this question right, you are already ahead of the rest.

Flexibility is non-negotiable

Here, think of the freedom to work from anywhere. Is flexible workspace a reality in your office? If not, consider how you can make the office accommodate all types of workers because Gen Zs come in all forms and shapes.

Most Gen Zs have the desire to live a purpose-led life. They want to have an impact and feel that their work and presence in the workplace contribute to something bigger and better. This does not necessarily have to be something outside the norm but rather noteworthy and noble.

For instance, some will love that the theme of minimalism is well presented throughout the office. Mental health, social justice, and self-expression are the other topics of interest among this Gen Z workforce. One way to add some aspects of these to your Gen Z office design ideas is to have quiet zones and workout areas and capture DEI and social justice efforts within the workplace.

Digital integration

A Gen Z office design is never complete without paying attention to your office technology integration. These employees are used to high-speed Wi-Fi and cloud-based software. If your office operations rely on outdated software or inefficient workflow, they might choose to leave. And it will be hard to convince them otherwise.

Community-driven spaces

Compared to the other employee groups in today’s workforce, Gen Zs thrive in collaborative environments. They value teamwork and often brainstorm and share working spaces with colleagues. Their social nature and quest to share ideas call for collaborative spaces that promote engagement.

Read more: How to design a hybrid office that works for everyone (1)

Sustainability is a priority

If there is one virtue that most Gen Zs share in common, it is their love for the environment. Eco-consciousness is central to Gen Z aesthetics, which explains why most prefer offices with sustainable design elements (2), such as energy-efficient lighting and recycled materials.

Now that you know what Gen Zs in your workplace expect, how can you create a space that makes them feel valued?

Open and collaborative spaces

Open spaces are the new norm in modern offices. Your Gen Z employees will engage better in such a setup since it supports teamwork. One sure way to create a collaborative environment is to move away from cubicles and rigid working schedules.

Biophilic design

This is one of the Gen Z aesthetics that advocates using natural elements like sunlight and outdoor views in indoor spaces. You can make this more sustainable by adding some plants to the working area (3)

Smart office technology

When we think of a smart office, the first thing that often comes to mind is Wi-Fi and sleek desktops. Make no mistake—these are part of the mix. But there is more to it. Think of office workflows. What about technology integrations between desks and offices? Do you embrace a tech-first mindset when solving day-to-day office challenges?

Well-being-centric design

For quite some time now, mental health awareness has been the main focus when employees talk about wellness. Lately, the push has gone beyond mental health to cover broad health issues such as comfort in the workplace. This means wellness amenities are becoming very important during design.

Artistic and customisable aesthetics

Another important aspect of a Gen Z office design is to choose spaces that reflect personality & creativity. Consider minimalist colour schemes and décor options that you can easily customise.

If you are creating an office space for the first time, making key decisions can be overwhelming. Here is where you can start:

Focus on work-life balance

The workplace should be designed in a way that prioritises self-care. That could mean putting measures in place, e.g., (providing break-out and workout areas) to promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent burnout.

Use adaptable furniture

Go for seats that create flexible boundaries between spaces and allow for different configurations. Adjustable desks and multifunctional furniture are also good options since they allow you to adapt the space as needed. 

Sustainable materials

The beauty of materials like recycled steel, plastic, and natural Timber lies in their eco-friendliness. They are often cheaper than other options and readily available, hence an ideal choice for a sustainable office design.

Tech-first mindset

Equip the workplace with advanced digital tools and ensure remote-friendly infrastructure to meet the technological expectations of Gen Z.

In this article:

(1) How to design a hybrid office that works for everyone

(2) 9 smart ways to build sustainable office design

(3) Low maintenance plants for office space