Three Key Workspace Design Principles for Engaging Future Employees

A study by John Hopkins University revealed today’s workforce is comprised of two main generational cohorts; Millennials (born 1981–1996), making up 35%, and Gen Z (born 1997–2010), at 5%.

Forbes further predicts that Gen Z will constitute 27% of the global labour market and one-third of the planet’s population by 2025.

That’s right around the corner.

Designing office environments for this fast-emerging demographic demands a nuanced understanding of their values and what drives their job satisfaction.

Gen Z is willing to leave organizations that conflict with these values, placing less emphasis on salary and prioritizing meaningful work, diversity, mental well-being, open communication, job stability, professional growth, collaboration, independence, and flexible, especially remote, work arrangements.

The workspaces we designed and implemented at Lebara Towers reflect our understanding of what an office should offer its employees. Based on our insights and experience, we have identified three key principles for creating engaging work environments that meet the expectations of future generations.

Our goal was to enhance employee satisfaction, productivity and retention in the design and curation of the Lebara Towers workspaces.

Here are our three key workspace design principles:

• Move from work-centric ideologies to person-first mindsets
• Prioritize workspace design that supports remote and hybrid work flexibility
• Focus on including environments that promote collaboration

Plus, one more additional but very important bonus point to consider in structuring your office –

• Integrate recreational areas for employee engagement

As our principal architect Poonam Pal says, "spaces hold the power to influence behaviours and set the stage for success."

With this perspective, we explore our three core principles for designing impactful workspaces.

1. Implement a Human-Centric Approach

Shifting from work-centric ideologies to person-first mindsets means placing a stronger and more visible focus on employee well-being. Companies that prioritize mental health and the overall well-being of their teams see higher retention rates and job satisfaction.

• According to Forbes , 46% of Millennials and Gen Z employees report feeling stressed and anxious most of the time.

At Lebara, we addressed this by creating diverse lounge areas where employees can unwind. Some spaces offer more privacy, while others are open and vibrant, all designed with a lively colour palette to inspire optimism.

2. Create Versatile Spaces for All Work Arrangements

• A 德勤 report shows that 64% of Gen Z and 66% of Millennials are working under return-to-office policies. Offices that cater to temporary-stay workers are more likely to maintain a hybrid workforce and prevent a shift to fully remote roles.

At Lebara, AB Initio Architects & Planners designed flexible open tables and lounge areas to support varied schedules, fostering collaboration between hybrid and in-office employees. This approach reduces the disconnect hybrid workers might feel and promotes stronger engagement.

3. Offer Collaborative Work Zones to Inspire Creative Thinking

The brainstorming cube at Lebara is a dynamic space designed to ignite creativity and collaboration. With whiteboard marker walls and flooring, it invites spontaneous idea generation and collaborative problem-solving.

• Research by 美国哈佛商学院 shows that 75% of employees believe teamwork and collaboration are crucial for success, and environments like this facilitate those interactions.

By providing a space that encourages open dialogue and free expression, we foster better ideas and drive innovation, ultimately enhancing engagement and satisfaction within the organization.

Bonus: Provide Recreational Areas to Recharge and Unwind

• According to research conducted by Workforce.com , 94% of employees believe that access to recreational facilities at work significantly enhances their job satisfaction and productivity.

At Lebara, we designed vibrant recreational areas, such as this pool table room, to encourage relaxation and social interaction among team members. These spaces provide opportunities for informal networking and stress relief, contributing to a well-rounded workplace culture that supports both creativity and collaboration.

Considering an office designed and executed to optimize employee retention and performance to last future generations?

To engage the upcoming generation effectively, it’s essential to create an environment that is lively, inclusive, innovative, and equipped with the latest technology.

It goes beyond mere visual appeal or steering clear of traditional office layouts; it's about fostering a setting that inspires them to create, cooperate, and contribute meaningfully.

Reach out to us today to transform your workspace into a modern hub that Gen Z and Millennial employees alike can appreciate.