Office Design Trends: Four Points to Build Spaces Young People Love

When creativity becomes the new engine of rapid business growth, the strategic competition for young talent grows ever fiercer. Companies that fail to adapt to change and embrace the upgrade of future work models may miss their window of opportunity. With the rise of hybrid teams and organizations, young people today change jobs more easily than ever, so to attract, retain, and develop employees, companies must set themselves apart.

The young generation, represented by Gen Z and millennials, is becoming the main cast on the stage of the "Great Resignation." The Harvard Business Review notes: "Employees aged 30 to 45 saw the greatest increase in resignation rates, with average growth of over 20% between 2020 and 2021." Another report shows 65% of young people plan to quit this year. According to a Microsoft survey conducted last year, 41% of the global workforce is considering a job change this year, and 55% view the office environment as an important factor in that choice.

If companies want outstanding young talent to join, they need to redesign the workplace to truly provide what young people need. The pandemic has raised the stakes in retaining top talent and building a successful culture. Here are four ideas for creating workplace experiences that build a strong sense of belonging among young talent.

Make the Office More Inviting—Built to Serve Talent

Create a warm, comfortable, easy-to-use office space, with various functional zones, better workstations, office furniture, and well-equipped lounges. This raises employees' comfort in the office. Specifically, attention needs to be paid to indoor air quality, touchless technology, and visible cleanliness.

A space that allows all kinds of work styles and nurtures creativity while supporting a community-style work environment may be the ideal way to encourage young employees. A holistic take on color, light, artistic flair, and social space is a good idea—even when employees work alone in the same location, they will feel part of a vibrant company.

Try Office Layouts That Meet Real Needs

Young people want greater flexibility, better technical support, and motivating policies at work—and companies must recognize this. By adding more team-centered spaces to the floor plan, you encourage a balance of independent and collaborative work.

A sustainable office layout should embrace different work styles and postures: focused work at desks, flexible seating for employee breaks, collaboration zones that promote concentrated team participation, and social lounges, among others.

Biophilic Design for a More Comfortable Office

To keep the workplace from feeling like a boring corporate office, using natural textures and a variety of new materials—including a mix of finishes and colors—can make it feel more comfortable and welcoming. Where feasible, combine varied lighting setups with natural light, light-colored furniture and walls, glass, and well-placed green plants to help create an environment where employees can relax and enjoy their work. You might also consider higher-end materials, such as leather-look upholstery, wood tones, or area rugs.

Put Well-Being First to Raise Employee Satisfaction

Young people in the modern workplace commonly face sub-health issues: depression, anxiety, social isolation, and declining well-being caused by working from home, work stress, and musculoskeletal disorders. According to a new survey, well-being and engagement reinforce and influence each other, and workplaces that promote well-being also support mental health and employee satisfaction. Offering ample sunlight, biophilic or natural features, ergonomic furniture, and more wellness spaces may be exactly what wins over the young generation.