With an appetite for productivity and collaboration, Gen Z is one of the most diverse generations in the history of the workforce. These digital natives have proactive and pragmatic consumption habits that are influencing brand strategies globally.
Gen Z decides what, when and how they want to consume products and services around them. So, how do you design a space for a generation that has been digitally conscious and inclusive since birth?
Here are some tips for employers and industries to create workspaces for Gen Z employees to thrive in:
- A conscious community of change-makers
While making a living is important to the money-conscious and new generation of workers, they also want to know if their organization’s goals are aligned with the well-being of society and whether their business decisions have a positive impact or not. A McKinsey & Company survey found that employees are five times more likely to want to work at a company that spends time reflecting on the impact it has in the world. Gen Z is looking for a community that celebrates their individuality on multiple levels: work-life balance, mental health, personal growth, race, gender identity, expression, sexual orientation, and religion. They want to be able to bring their whole selves to work and be accepted by their coworkers. - Technology driven workspaces
From high speed connectivity and uninterrupted power supply to advanced security protocols and enhanced online bookings, workspaces that provide members with cutting edge tech and digital tools are doing it the right way. With today’s Gen Z working remotely as well as on site, quality video conferencing tools and an advanced digital environment has become key for virtual collaborations and ease of communication. - Private spaces to boost productivity
Gen Z aims to Get. Work. Done.
They enjoy collaboration, brainstorming and an open seating arrangement to eliminate corporate hierarchy, but they also sense a direct correlation between privacy and productivity. A flexible coworking space that offers privacy to focus on the task at hand along with other spaces for community engagement is what creates additional value for employees. - Employee engagement through gamification
Workspaces that incorporate gamification into their training module and other business strategies are doing creatively and more sustainability as this helps in motivating employees and giving them a sense of achievement. According to a recent survey on gamification, employee experience and engagement through gamification increases by 48%. For example, Human Resources announces that as part of the hiring process, if a resource is hired through an existing employee of the organization, they will receive an additional monetary bonus as a token of appreciation. Rewards, quizzes, score levels, internal awards are also ways in which gamification can be incorporated to cultivate company culture and help retain employees that are valuable to the company. - A holistic approach
Gen Z accounts for almost a third of India’s total population and their transformative work ethics, consumer behaviors and spending patterns is something brands are acknowledging and creating business strategies accordingly. They play a significant role in shaping the workspace ecosystem and landscape in India.
As is evident from the above, it would be safe to say that Gen Z’s are redefining workspace expectations. They are a content generation that deserves both awareness and attention as they are on the verge of taking over the workforce in India.
