COVID-19 has transformed the future of workplaces into an ambiguous blur. The pandemic has greatly influenced our office interior design and the way we work. The unprecedented shift to remote working has shown how important it is for organizations to work towards building a radical and safe alternative to the traditional design. 

Keeping in mind that a whole new generation, Gen Z, is joining the workforce, rethinking your future workspace and embracing a fresh approach in your office space planning is essential.

With this new wave of young talent in the workplace, organizations need to do everything to attract and retain them. This calls for an office renovation that results in well-being, technology, and sustainability becoming a central part of the company. 

In this blog, we will discuss how you can upgrade your office interior design to make it hospitable and attractive for Gen Z.  

Encourage Private Spaces 

Members of Gen Z value personal space and prefer interacting remotely. This has made a combination of digital and physical channels to promote flexible working the new standard. 

Striking a perfect social-private balance is vital. Combining quiet zones and privacy pods in open floor plans allows employees to work together but also avail some “me time” for an undisturbed, concentrated atmosphere when needed. 

Allowing employees to spend plenty of time in their own heads will prove to be a wise play. Therefore, comparatively private spaces which allow staff to participate in digital meetings while maintaining distance shall now become a part of office space planning.

Once the members of Gen Z have the tools for the job, they display great levels of self-motivation. Business owners will be at a great advantage if they harness those skills instead of inhibiting them with their own office interior design choices. 

Allow For Flexibility 

A flexible workspace contributes to the creative side of employees. This justifies why Gen Zers place a huge emphasis on flexibility, be it the option of remote working or different work settings. 

A recent Deloitte survey has shown that 63% of Gen Z members are looking for a hybrid working environment. They want to split their time between the office and remote locations. 

A satisfactory solution would be to create a mix of small conference rooms, casual seating, and a communal kitchen. This refurbishment of the office system furniture with ergonomic choices will help encourage collaboration leading to improved productivity. 

Create Agile Spaces 

An agile space supports the individual work preferences of your staff. It provides the workspace with more autonomy and greater flexibility. 

Break rooms and digitally-enabled meeting spaces are key aspects of agile areas. Portable power packs, acoustic noise dampeners, and modular work points can further help in increasing flexibility. 

Bring In Sustainability 

Gen Z is deeply concerned about climate change. With the internet providing them with accessible information at their fingertips, these young people have become more aware and conscious of the climate crisis.  

The new generation doesn’t see sustainability as a cool benefit in the workplace but rather something that shall be ingrained into every office. Many youngsters consider their personal beliefs and ethics to play a role in their career choices. 

To fulfill these requirements, start by placing emphasis on environmental sustainability and consciousness in your company ethos. Practice eco-friendly electricity and water consumption habits and increase the availability of recycling points. Another easy way to create a sustainable office interior design is to switch to LED lighting. This will significantly reduce energy consumption, saving the planet and your wallet! 

Embrace Technology

Gen Z considers being connected to technology a necessity of effective work, not a perk. They are not only comfortable using technology but also well-equipped for online collaborations. Therefore, companies that can provide access to the latest technology will be the most appealing to Gen Z.

The pandemic has been a catalyst for the introduction of new technology. Businesses are now opting for tech-friendly designs with opportunities such as desk-booking apps and video conferencing. 

The first step for initiating the use of advanced technology in your workspace is to equip the office with a reliable Wi-Fi connection and higher-spec laptops. The addition of tablets, smartphones, and connectivity apps such as Microsoft Teams to be used as tools for cloud-based and virtual collaborations will allow staff to hone in and maximize productivity. 

Focus On Tangibility And Function

Flashy interior design that makes the office look opulent may turn off new office members. Youngsters prefer a functional and minimalistic office over superfluous pomp. 

Create An Office Interior Design To Meet Gen Z’s Demands!

The transition from Gen Y to Gen Z is a critical turning point for business owners. To ensure their continued viability, companies need to adapt and change with the world. 

If you’re planning on renovating your office to create a design that blends with Gen Zer’s requirements, check out our office interior design portfolio to avail our design services now! Contact us to get started. If you are also looking for home renovation, hit us up at homeguide.com.sg.