How Gen Z is reshaping workplace experience and expectations

In a rapidly evolving workplace landscape, one cohort is leaving an indelible mark: Generation Z. Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z is not just bringing fresh perspectives but is also compelling companies to reassess longstanding paradigms about work, the office, and employee expectations.

Gen Z's unique workplace perspective

Recent research by Deloitte highlights a gap between what Gen Z wants in a workplace and what leaders believe they want. Gen Z values facets like empathy in leadership more than managers might assume. For instance, while Gen Zers consider empathy as the second most crucial trait in a boss, leaders rank it much lower on their list.

Gen Z’s upbringing was punctuated by significant political, economic, and social shifts. From the aftermath of 9/11 to the Great Recession, from global pandemics to crucial movements addressing racial injustices, Gen Z's worldview has been shaped by tumult and change. Such experiences often result in a skepticism towards traditional institutions and authority figures.

Given their history, trust, mental well-being, and the role of work in personal identity naturally emerge as significant themes for Gen Z.

"There's this feeling of betrayal,” says Kevin Lu, a 23-year-old aspiring climate technologist. “I feel like so many times continuously throughout this generation’s life, they are promised a certain thing only to get it detoured or pushed back.”

The digital-native generation

Gen Z is known for its digital prowess. They possess the tools and skills to thoroughly research prospective employers, leveraging platforms like TikTok to gain insights into job interviews and workplace cultures. Once onboarded, they're not passive players; they're active agents of change, using their platforms to address unfair labor practices and promote initiatives they believe in.

"People my age don’t take any [B.S.],” says Bianca Alvarado, a 23-year-old junior publicist. “We’re doing our best to rise above all the mistakes of past generations and fix things more urgently.”

Redefining the physical workspace

Understanding Gen Z's priorities is critical for companies, especially in terms of how they design and utilize their physical spaces. Incorporating more communal areas can help foster empathetic interactions, echoing Gen Z's value on understanding and connection. Simultaneously, creating quiet, private spaces can serve as a refuge for those needing a break, acknowledging Gen Z’s concerns about mental well-being.

Creating quiet, private spaces can serve as a refuge for those needing a break, acknowledging Gen Z’s concerns about mental well-being.

Given Gen Z's blended view of work and identity, spaces should be versatile to cater to both individual and group activities. Training spaces can be pivotal in supporting Gen Z’s passion for continuous learning and professional development.

Related Reading: Finding the right mix of spaces to increase workplace occupancy and utilization.

Bridging the gap: a new era of workplace evolution

Companies have an opportunity, if not an imperative, to bridge the generational understanding gap. Deloitte's recommendations include getting curious, connecting across generational divides, and co-creating with Gen Z. Promoting reverse-mentoring, where younger employees help senior ones understand their perspective, can be a mutually beneficial strategy.

In addition, tapping into influential Gen Z voices, both within and outside the organization, can provide invaluable insights, aiding in shaping a future-forward workplace culture.

Moving forward: embracing Gen Z's vision for the workplace

To embrace Gen Z's evolving workplace expectations, companies must translate their understanding of these preferences into actionable insights. As companies reconsider their space, every decision counts in ensuring an optimized return on their real estate investments.

This is where leveraging data-driven workplace insights becomes pivotal. Companies can gain a precise understanding of space occupancy and utilization, helping them make informed decisions about layouts, shared spaces, and specialized zones. These insights ensure that real estate investments align with both company goals and the evolving expectations of a younger workforce.

To truly resonate with Gen Z's values, offices must transform into spaces that inspire not just work but holistic well-being and community building.

To truly resonate with Gen Z's values, offices must transform into spaces that inspire not just work but holistic well-being and community building. This means designing spaces that offer both collaboration and privacy, that promote empathy, and that foster a culture of continuous learning. By identifying the most in-demand spaces and amenities, companies can craft in-office experiences that not only attract Gen Z employees but also inspire them to return, ensuring the workplace is a hub of innovation, productivity, and meaningful interactions.

As workplace leaders gear up for the future, the challenge lies in merging Gen Z's vision with the practicalities of space management. By doing so, they'll not only create a harmonious environment but also maximize the ROI on their most valuable asset: their real estate.