Introduction:
Gen Z, the generation from 1997 to 2012. Unlike others, this generation is known for its unique approach to various subjects and tech-savvy nature. As per a survey conducted Gen Z contributes 18-20% of the workplace and in total are ready to acquire 25% of the workplace by 2025.
Every generation that we know today has its own essence and identity. They have a different approach to work etiquette and the idea of working which makes them different from other generations. Gen Z have certain personality traits which make them different from others, for example, they believe in flexibility and innovation. There is a lot in their platter that can be served and thus it can give potentially high business to the office space which makes their involvement in business an essential aspect. While we are studying and analyzing Gen Z, let us understand what different values and habits they bring to the company in the first place.
Values:
- Employee’s welfare
- Sustainability
- Technology
- Importance of collaboration and building relationships
- Work-life balance
Employee’s welfare
A recent study shows that employees belonging to generation Z are more likely to work in companies where there is appreciation and recognition of work and employees. This generation does not believe in sticking around workplaces that restrict them from expressing their ideas and do not invest in employee welfare.
Sustainability
As mentioned above, there’s a lot on their platter. The notion of making a difference is one of them, as a generation which comes up with an unique and beneficial approach Gen Z promotes culture that is eco-friendly and sustainable in nature.
Technology
Since Gen Z is the tech-savvy generation and they are known to all the nitty gritty in the technological advancements. They can provide the company with various softwares that can legitimately reduce the work and help the company with easy and effective management.
Importance of collaboration and building relationships
One major advantage of having Gen Z is their approach towards others, they believe in collaborating and building relationships and hence coming up with ideas that lack major shortcomings.
Work-life balance
Work-life balance is an idea that has been known to us forever yet we are so not into implementing it yet. This notion of balancing personal life, tracking responsibilities, and growth even when you are working from home is what is the main objective that Gen Z promotes. This not only brings transparency but the joy of a happy work life.
Tips to design the office space for Gen Z:
Considering the above-mentioned values that Gen Z brings to the table, here are some tips that can help you design the workspace from Generation Z’s perspective.
- Open Space
- Flexibility
- Natural Touch
- Technology and Ergonomics
Open space: Workspace for Gen Z is more than just individual space, they believe in collaborations and thus while designing for them one has to ensure not to install cubicles, etc.
Flexibility: Thinking outside the box is one quality that Gen Z carries, repetitive is dated and boring. Adorning the space with sofas, seat-out zones where people are free to collaborate and exchange ideas or just a creative zone where you can simply sit and refresh your mind.
Natural touch: Embrace every spark of nature in the office premises, by this it means enjoying working near nature or bring nature to the commercial space. Nature in the business space? Yes, nature. Encourage biophilia and good ventilation that promotes natural light and nature’s touch. Nature helps to regain your sanity after a difficult day and promotes good working.
Technology and ergonomics: Comfort comes first, a survey states that Gen Z and millennials do not really compromise with their health. Staying for long hours using uncomfortable furniture and doing work which is time-consuming needs simple solutions like ergonomic furniture and technological presence.
Conclusion:
Generation Z is not really a difficult generation to cope with, they are not really high maintenance but smart. They know what they need and how they can achieve it. Thus simplifying for you the very basic changes that can be useful and helpful for designing an office space for Gen Z