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Designing Workplaces That Appeal to Generation Z

26th May, 2026

Generation Z is reshaping expectations of the workplace.

As the first generation to begin their careers in a post-pandemic world, Gen Z employees have entered work with very different assumptions around flexibility, wellbeing, technology, and company culture. For many, work is no longer just somewhere to complete tasks – it is expected to support learning, connection, identity, and balance.

Having burst into the job market in self-aware style, Gen Z (alongside millennials) is projected to make up 74% of the global workforce by 2030.

For organisations competing for talent, workplace experience is becoming an increasingly important differentiator.

Understanding What Gen Z Values

While every individual is different, several themes consistently shape how Gen Z approaches work.

Despite being digital natives, research suggests Gen Z still places significant value on the physical office for social connection and collaboration. Research indicates 78% find it easier to bond with colleagues in the workplace, while 81% report feeling disconnected from peers when working from home.

Purpose also plays a far greater role in career decisions than it has previously. Younger professionals are placing increased emphasis on wellbeing, inclusivity, sustainability, and organisational authenticity when evaluating employers.

As a result, the workplace itself increasingly acts as a physical representation of company culture and values.

Designing Spaces That Support Younger Talent

The most effective workplaces for Gen Z are rarely the most formal or rigid. Instead, they tend to offer greater choice, movement, and variety throughout the day.

This often includes:

Flexible settings; 79% feel more active when working in the office
Social spaces; 81% feel disconnected from peers when working from home
Quiet areas; crucial for mitigating workplace stress and supporting deep concentration
Tech-enabled hybrid environments; 57% already use GenAI in their daily work
Mentorship spaces; 80% say access to training encourages returning to work

Many of these expectations are now influencing workplace design far beyond Gen Z alone.

Workplace Culture Made Physical

Younger employees are often highly attuned to whether a company’s values feel genuine.

As a result, workplace design is becoming a more visible expression of organisational culture – from sustainability considerations and inclusive design principles through to how spaces encourage collaboration, autonomy, and wellbeing.

Design decisions such as adaptable layouts, wellness spaces, biophilic features, and socially focused breakout areas can all help reinforce a culture that feels modern, supportive, and people-focused.

Increasingly, organisations are recognising that attracting talent is not simply about offering flexibility policies on paper. The physical workplace also needs to justify the commute and provide experiences employees cannot replicate remotely.

Designing for Long-Term Flexibility

One of the biggest challenges facing organisations is designing workplaces that remain relevant as expectations continue to evolve.

Rather than creating spaces around fixed working patterns, many businesses are now prioritising adaptability – enabling environments to evolve alongside team growth, hybrid working behaviours, and future operational needs.

At Maris, this means designing workplaces that balance flexibility, wellbeing, functionality, and long-term commercial performance. From collaborative social spaces and wellness areas through to sustainable materials and future-proofed layouts, workplace design is increasingly centred around supporting people alongside operational performance.

Developing a Workplace That Attracts the Next Generation of Talent?

Create an environment that supports culture, connection, and the evolving needs of modern teams.