With a new wave of young talent entering the workplace, businesses must adapt and rethink their workspaces to attract and retain the best young talent and make their offices appeal to Gen Z.

Gen Z, those born between 1996 and 2015, are characterised as tech-natives who are environmentally conscious and seek greater flexibility in order to achieve a better work/life balance.

The days of boring traditional office space with banks of desks, stacks of grey filing cabinets and depressing office decor are over, with a new generation of workers expecting more from their office.

With 75% of Gen Zs stating they prefer hybrid or remote working patterns, according to Deloitte’s Global 2022 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, the advancement of hybrid working is certainly here to stay.

This increase in remote working patterns means that time spent in the office is now even more valuable, particularly for those at the start of their careers where the face-to-face interaction with colleagues makes learning, development, and building relationships not only easier, but also more enjoyable!

It is therefore imperative that your office space is an enticing destination for Gen Zs and it gives them a reason to come into the office.

Some important considerations when rethinking your office space with Gen Z in mind include:

· Collaborative and flexible design

Traditional office fit-out of the old is not conducive for modern working systems. Office design of the present should be focused around collaboration – with breakout spaces and informal seating areas that encourage creativity and team working. Well thought out design will go along way to attracting and retaining the next generation of employees over design gimmicks such as ping pong or pool tables.

· Extra Facilities

When considering office space it is important to assess what additional amenities does the building provide. Are there end-of-journey facilities such as bicycle racks, showers and changing facilities? Complementary coffee and tea points? Bookable communal meeting rooms? Outdoor space? Or even a gym? All of these things make coming into the office more appealing and the commute more worthwhile.

· Sustainability and wellbeing

Sustainability is not just a tick box exercise for Gen Z but something they feel genuinely passionate about. With 94% of Gen Zs believing companies should address environmental issues, an office, both in terms of the building itself and the internal fit-out will, that is environmentally friendly will help attract to young employees and demonstrate.

A sustainable office, in turn, increases staff wellbeing as result of improved air quality, thermal comfort, natural light and biophilia which has been shown to increase productivity and creativity, reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.

· Technology

Gen Z are the first tech native generation having not known life before the age of the internet. Gen Z expect a fully integrated tech workplace which helps to improve efficiencies and productivity. This can be done through adopting technologies such as desk booking apps, digital conferencing rooms and integrated communication systems.

The pandemic had a seismic impact on the workplace which caused a rapid evolution in how we view the office and with Gen Z, and their differing values and beliefs, having an ever-increasing

presence in the workforce, the evolution in the office is only likely to continue to develop. By embracing the preferences and values of Gen Z in your workplace, you can create an environment that attracts and engages them.