Workplace Design


Making The Office More Attractive To Gen-Z


Paul Sherwin, a Managing Director at Oktra, discusses how office design could be the key to making the workplace more attractive for younger workers, sparking their progression and wellbeing.


Gen Z’s future in the workplace has been the subject of much debate, particularly in the years following the pandemic. Some discussions focus on younger employees seeking connection through the office, while others highlight their preference for remote work. Amid these varying perspectives, one thing is clear: workplaces need to be more than a physical location for tasks. They should be spaces that actively foster growth, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging for the newest generation entering the workforce.


For many Gen Z employees, their first experience of professional life comes after years of digital-first learning and socialising. Exams, lectures, and even friendships were shaped online during the pandemic. As a result, walking into an office environment can


feel both exciting and overwhelming. If


businesses want to unlock the full potential of their Gen Z workforce, it isn’t about enforcing a return to the office - it’s about designing workspaces that genuinely support productivity and development. When people feel the office enables them to do their best work, they naturally want to spend time there.


A people-first approach to workplace design is crucial. Gen Z consistently values community, inclusion, and flexibility. To attract and retain this demographic, offices should reflect those values through thoughtful design. That could mean incorporating collaborative open-plan areas alongside quiet focus zones, integrating dimmable lighting for neurodivergent employees, providing height-adjustable desks, or creating flexible seating arrangements. Social areas -like cafés, breakout lounges, or even outdoor terraces - help foster connection and reflect Gen Z’s emphasis on balance and quality of life.


We spend thousands of hours in work environments across our careers, but that time doesn’t need to come at the cost of health or happiness. For those just starting out, the workplace should support well-being while providing growth opportunities. When younger employees


feel encouraged, included, and


able to be themselves, they not only perform better but also develop the professional confidence that sets the stage for long-term progression.


That said, the office doesn’t have to compete with remote work - it can complement it. Flexibility remains essential, and the most effective workplaces are those that balance autonomy with connection. For Gen Z, the office should feel like a hub for collaboration, creativity, and community rather than a compulsory destination.


Encouragingly, we’re already seeing the evolution of workplaces into cultural and social spaces. From vibrant colour schemes and curated artwork to music, lounge areas, and even the occasional office dog, these design choices transform the office into a place where people want to spend time. Small details can make a big impact: conjoined desks, for example, encourage more frequent interactions between junior employees and senior mentors, creating natural learning moments throughout the day.


Ultimately, returning to the office should never be the end goal. The real opportunity lies in reimagining the workplace so it better reflects the needs and values of the next generation. For facilities managers and business leaders alike, this means designing offices that are inclusive, adaptable, and purpose- driven. Done well, the workplace becomes more than a backdrop - it becomes a dynamic space that fuels growth, creativity, and connection for Gen Z and beyond.


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This is particularly important because in-person working offers benefits that remote setups can’t always replicate. For Gen Z, being in the same space as peers and senior colleagues provides valuable opportunities for mentorship, informal learning, and cultural immersion - experiences that many missed during the pandemic years. From my own experience, I’ve seen how the right environment can accelerate career development by giving young employees the confidence to collaborate, ask questions, and contribute.


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