The gradual entry of Generation Z, often known as Zoomers (born 1997–2012), into the labor market will have an influence on working conditions, workplace design, and the future of employment. By 2025, it is predicted that Zoomer employees would make up 27% of the workforce, or 1/3 of all employees worldwide.
Generation Z, often known as the "Digital Natives," is the most numerous, diversified, and technologically sophisticated generation to date. They have never known a world without the internet. They are the pioneers in online collaboration and the future of our workforce. The particular tastes of Gen Z for employment environments are very different from those of other generations. Employers need to start considering Gen Z when planning their workplaces and design in order to attract and retain this new generation.
What are Zoomers' preferences regarding work environments?
Four generations are represented in the workforce for the first time. The eldest generation, the "Baby Boomers," are approaching retirement. The Zoomers have now joined the older Millennials and midlife Generation X. When it comes to the workplace and office design, many businesses will make the error of presuming that Zoomers are essentially an extension of Millennials and will share their requirements and preferences. Simply said, this is false. While Millennials embrace a collaborative, open, and ambiguous attitude to work, Zoomers are looking for purpose, flexibility, and privacy in their surroundings.
Despite being dubbed the pioneers in online cooperation, Generation Z may have trouble forming connections and communicating face to face. Compared to Millennials, Gen Zers are far less collaborative. They do not favor the open office concept. It has been said that the informal collaboration environment that is popular among Millennials is insufficient to handle the pronounced distinctions of the younger generation. As a result, it's crucial to think about how to create the perfect workplace for Gen Z while keeping up with the Millennial preferences and needs.
The influx of Generation Z in the workforce is causing a change in workplace culture and design, forcing businesses to overhaul their office layouts.
"Zoomers are looking for structure and order in their work environments with a focus on their mental health and well-being."
How to attract Zoomers through office design?
A tech-enabled office is a necessity for the future. Integrating technology and ergonomics into your office space and work culture is the most important consideration while designing for Zoomers. What else can we integrate into the office design to appeal to this generation's needs and interests while yet retaining top talent?
1. All types of work, from heads-down work to group focus sessions to lively collaborations and formal board meetings, need to be supported in today's offices. If zoomers realize that there are various spots for them to set down for the day, they will be more likely to feel cared for and inspired. To ensure that zoomers are as connected at work as they are at home, it is also important to link small meeting rooms and pocket spaces for a single user.
2. Generation Z respond favorably to visual clues in their environment. Designing a work atmosphere that is vibrant and colorful, employing artwork and graphics to excite and drive people, is crucial to foster creativity in this generation. Having a lively "community area" is another method to foster a joyful atmosphere. By providing them with a high-energy setting, you may reduce some of their stress and improve how much fun they have at work.
3. A more private workplace, or the opportunity for one when wanted, is preferred by Gen Z since they have a tendency to value structure, order, and predictability. It might not be the best for Gen Z to be forced into an open workplace, which is a millennial's preferred work setting. Offering acoustics and additional private pods in addition to open workplace design is one method to help blend the Gen Z and Millennial work cultures. Even putting low panels on workstations or glass allows for open communication while assisting people in feeling as though they have a "private area."
4. For organizations seeking to acquire Gen Z talent, establishing environmentally friendly credentials is becoming increasingly vital. Generation Z is especially sensitive to sustainability-related concerns. For Generation Z, environmentally friendly offices and designs are more appealing. To attract Gen Z workers and create a social and word-of-mouth buzz, several businesses work to achieve LEED and other sustainable certifications for their offices.
The takeaway
Zoomers prefer work environments that foster a sense of community while being agile, digitally accessible, and less formal. While catering to Gen Z, you must keep in mind that each member of your team may have a different need for office space. You must also consider the brand image you want to project and if it will have the desired effect before designing a place that is functional and appealing to everyone.
