As we have emerged from the shadow of the pandemic, the workplace landscape continues to evolve. While remote and hybrid models have become commonplace, a surprising trend is emerging: Gen Z, our youngest workforce cohort, may be spearheading a return to the office. For those of us in guest services, this shift presents both challenges and opportunities.
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The appeal of office life for Gen Z isn’t hard to fathom. Many are entering the workforce for the first time, having completed their education during lockdowns. For them, the workplace represents more than just a space to work – it’s a vital hub for building professional relationships and personal connections.
According to Glassdoor, 63% of Gen Z workers report having a best friend at work, underscoring the importance they place on workplace relationships. These connections aren’t just good for morale; they’re good for business too. Studies have linked strong workplace friendships to improved profitability, safety, and employee retention.
However, Gen Z’s return to the office comes with heightened expectations. This generation has grown up with technology at their fingertips and values experiences highly. They’re looking for workplaces that are not only functional but also inspiring, sustainable, and community-oriented.
For facilities managers, meeting these expectations requires a multifaceted approach:
- Technology integration: Our offices need to be as smart and connected as the devices Gen Z uses daily. This means robust Wi‑Fi, seamless video conferencing capabilities, and smart building systems that enhance the overall workplace experience.
- Flexible: While Gen Z may crave in‑person interactions, they also value flexibility. Our spaces need to be adaptable, easily reconfigured for different purposes, and able to accommodate hybrid working models.
- Sustainable: Environmental consciousness is a core value for Gen Z. As facilities managers, we need to prioritise sustainable operations and be prepared to demonstrate these efforts transparently.
- Wellness‑focused design: Beyond aesthetics, our spaces should promote wellbeing. This could involve incorporating natural elements, ensuring proper air quality, and creating areas for relaxation and mindfulness.
- Collaboration and Community building: We need to create inviting common areas that encourage informal interactions and collaboration. These spaces are crucial for fostering the workplace relationships that Gen Z values so highly.
- Inclusive: We need to be able to cater to a multitude of needs, by designing facilities that are accessible to individuals with disabilities, accommodating diverse cultural preferences, and ensuring equitable access to all amenities and services.
The role of guest services is becoming increasingly important in this context. As companies invest in transforming their workplaces into hubs of collaboration and innovation, we must work closely with these teams to create a sense of community. This could involve organising events, activities, or programmes that foster connection among employees.
Moreover, we’re seeing a resurgence of the ‘hotelification’ of offices. This approach involves providing hotel-like amenities and services in the workplace, creating a more comfortable and appealing environment. As facilities managers, we play a key role in implementing and maintaining these enhanced service offerings.
It’s worth noting that these changes aren’t just about catering to Gen Z. By creating more engaging, flexible, and community-oriented workplaces, we’re improving the experience for all employees. At Portico, we describe this simply as “giving service with heart to elevate and inspire”. This, in turn, can lead to increased productivity, better employee retention, and a stronger company culture.
As we navigate this new landscape, agility and innovation will be key. We need to stay attuned to the changing expectations of the workforce and be ready to adapt our strategies accordingly. This might mean regularly reassessing our spaces, updating our technology, or introducing new services.
Ultimately, while the hybrid model remains prevalent, the unique needs and expectations of Gen Z may indeed drive a l return to office-based work. For us in guest services, this presents an exciting opportunity to redefine workplace operations. By focusing on creating technologically advanced, flexible, sustainable, and community-oriented spaces, we can meet the evolving needs of this generation and contribute significantly to organisational success.
The office isn’t just making a comeback – it’s getting a complete makeover. And we, as facilities managers, are at the forefront of this transformation. It’s a challenge, certainly, but also an opportunity to shape the future of work in meaningful and impactful ways.