Business

Is your office ready for Generation Z?

Paul Black at the Alpha Group office in Glasgow
Paul Black at the Alpha Group office in Glasgow Paul Black at the Alpha Group office in Glasgow

WHILE you might be reading this piece at your desk in front of your desktop computer, the next generation entering the workforce—Generation Z – is most likely reading it on a tablet or phone, laying back on a sofa.

People who fall into Generation Z, those born between 1994 and 2010, currently make up 28.7 per cent of the world’s population. Also known as ‘Gen Z’ers’, they are digital natives who have grown up with iPhones, video games and Google – and many of them have never had to sit at a desk.

As Generation Z enters the workforce, offices around the world are already making changes to attract the new talent. One change taking place is the switch from desktop computers to mobile devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones. According to Pew Research Centre, 79 per cent of those in Generation Z have symptoms of ‘emotional distress’ when separated from their mobile phone or tablet.

Indeed behavioural scientists have measured the impact of this and there are worrying comparisons between being ‘devoid of tech’ and drug dependants being prohibited access to their chosen vice.

The emphasis on mobile technology and a strong wifi connection means there’s less need for desks. Instead, many companies are opting for ‘work cafés’ where employees can set up their laptops at a long, shared table. Workers can move throughout the office so they don’t have to be at the same workspace every day.

Use of ‘the cloud’ to store documents is also starting to affect the look of offices since traditional storage space is less necessary. As documents in cloud storage can be accessed from anywhere, companies are creating more collaborative, shared workspaces incorporating a ‘hotel lobby’ type feel where great coffee and fast wifi are prerequisites.

Of course not every office can go completely mobile. Law offices, for example, are usually paper based so workers require space for storage, whether it’s on a desk or in a filing cabinet.

The trick is balance, allowing for a mix of resident and social space where people can focus, collaborate and work effectively on a task. Since 85 per cent of Generation Z workers are concerned about their wellbeing at work, some businesses have added an in-house coffee shop with a barista or a quiet room for relaxation or massages, while others are opting for a modern work canteen with ping-pong tables and PlayStations.

So where should you start if you know your office needs a refresh to attract Generation Z?

First, know your needs. Does it make sense for your office to go mobile or do you still rely on paper? Can your employees do work on a tablet or do they need a desktop PC? If you’re not ready to give up desks, consult an office design company to see how you can merge modern trends with traditional workspaces and make sure your office is a relevant, engaging and innovative place to work.

Second, don’t be afraid of change. Recent research from Steelcase, the world’s largest office furniture company, found that Generation Z workers are turned off by companies that are slow to adapt to the changing office world. To attract top talent, it’s important to invest in the look and layout of your office as it’s a strong selling point for the next young interviewee coming through your door.

:: Paul Black is chief executive of Northern Ireland-based office furniture provider the Alpha Group, the parent company of Alpha Office Furniture (www.alphaofficefurniture.com) and workplace design specialist 1080°