Eco-responsibility, the search for meaning, technology: the expectations of Generation Z in the office

This generation, born between the end of the 1990s and the beginning of the 2010s, is marked by an uncertain socio-economic context and unprecedented ecological challenges. Having grown up in a world marked by economic, climate and social crises, this generation brings with it new values and strong professional expectations, breaking with those of its predecessors.

She is looking for a professional environment in line with her personal, ethical and environmental aspirations. Gen Z youth expect businesses to have strong commitments to environmental responsibility, work-life balance, and meaningful work. In this context, adapting organizations to meet these expectations is becoming essential to attract and retain this new generation of talent.

The search for meaning: an imperative for Gen Z

For Generation Z, work should be meaningful. This generation aspires to contribute to projects that have a positive impact on society and the environment, and not only to fulfill financial goals.

According to an Ipsos study carried out with the Cesi engineering school in May 2024, their expectations are much higher than those of other generations. Here, there is no question of working “out of spite”, or only for economic purposes. Generation Z aspires to succeed professionally without compromising their values and without sacrificing their personal lives. Thus 74% want to work in a company with values in line with their own.

This search for meaning results in a need to participate in rewarding missions and to understand how their role contributes to a common good.

Companies that want to attract these young talents must therefore clearly define and communicate a mission that conveys social and environmental values. This may include the establishment of corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies that are not limited to symbolic actions but are part of a sincere and transparent approach. Companies committed to initiatives such as reducing their carbon footprint, promoting equal opportunities, or supporting local communities meet the expectations of this generation in search of meaningful projects.

The balance between professional and personal life: a non-negotiable priority

According to the Ipsos study, 80% of Gen Z believe that work/life balance is one of the first criteria for choosing to join a company.

Unlike previous generations, who often put their careers first, Gen Z places a high value on work-life balance. Nearly 80% of the young people interviewed (Mazars study and Opinion Way, Future of work: what do Gen Z expect for the company of tomorrow?, 2019) believe that this balance is essential for their well-being at work. Having seen previous generations suffer from stress and burn-out, young people in this generation are looking for businesses that value mental health, offer flexibility, and respect the boundaries between work and private life.

Businesses should therefore consider more flexible working arrangements, including teleworking, flexible hours and the right to disconnect. These options allow young people to manage their schedule and feel fulfilled in their jobs without sacrificing their personal lives. Businesses can thus strengthen the commitment of their employees while contributing to the prevention of burnout. By valuing this balance, employers gain in attractiveness and promote the loyalty of their young employees.

In the search for a balance between professional and personal life, some companies go beyond teleworking and flexible hours policies by creating specific spaces dedicated to the well-being of employees.

These treatment or wellness rooms are spaces where employees can recharge their batteries physically and mentally. They respond to a growing demand for work environments that consider health holistically, taking into account both mental and physical well-being. Here are some examples of layout:

• Relaxation and meditation rooms: equipped with relaxation chairs, dim lights and sometimes guided meditation devices or soothing music, these rooms allow employees to disconnect for a few moments to release the pressure. Guided meditation or yoga sessions are sometimes organized there.
• Rest or nap spaces: due to accumulated fatigue or intense schedules, nap spaces are becoming popular in offices. They are set up to provide a restful sleep with lounge chairs, blankets, and sound insulation for a short recovery break.
• Physical treatment rooms: Some businesses go even further by setting up rooms where employees can receive treatments, such as massages, consultations with a therapist, or even acupuncture sessions. This contributes to relaxation and the relief of physical pain, especially for those who suffer from stresses associated with office work.
• Medical care and teleconsultation rooms: equipped with teleconsultation technology and basic medical equipment, these rooms allow employees to consult health professionals remotely. This is particularly useful for young people who are looking for quick medical follow-up without having to leave the workplace.

These wellness rooms represent real added value in attracting Gen Z, who consider health and well-being to be priorities. By offering these spaces, businesses are showing their commitment to the well-being of their employees and creating a work environment where health is a priority.

High expectations in terms of environmental responsibility

Gen Z could be renamed the “ethical generation” because they place particular emphasis on business integrity and transparency. Sensitive to the issues of social justice, diversity and ecology, the young people of this generation are ready to refuse job opportunities in companies that do not respect these values. They monitor employers' practices, especially when it comes to environmental responsibility and human rights.

One of Gen Z's ethical priorities is the protection of the environment. Young people of this generation, who grew up in the midst of a climate crisis, are particularly attentive to the ecological impacts of businesses. As a result, they reject companies that practice “greenwashing” and display ecological narratives without implementing concrete and measurable actions to reduce their carbon footprint or protect natural resources. This generation is looking for companies that make genuine ecological commitments, in particular through actions to reduce waste, limit CO₂ emissions, and use sustainable materials.

Businesses need to go beyond marketing campaigns by developing verifiable environmental policies. This may include conducting regular carbon assessments, adopting green technologies, managing resources in an environmentally responsible manner, and engaging in global impact reduction initiatives. They should show real actions and measurable results. This involves transparency in governance processes, the establishment of inclusive policies, compliance with environmental standards, and the monitoring of sustainable performance indicators. A company that promotes strong values, respects them on a daily basis and applies them in its internal and external practices is much more likely to capture the attention of these young people.

Technology and human relationships: finding the right balance

Generation Z is a 100% digital generation. They are the first generation to grow up without remembering a world without the Internet.

But although she grew up with technology, she wants a balance between digital tools and human interactions at work. Studies show that, for this generation, technology is an asset in the service of flexibility and efficiency, but should not replace interpersonal relationships or dehumanize work. Young people prefer a work environment that values human relationships and authentic exchanges.

For businesses, it's critical to invest in collaboration technologies that facilitate remote working and agility, while encouraging direct interactions and trusting relationships. By creating spaces (physical and virtual) that promote team cohesion, employers allow Gen Z to thrive in a balanced environment where technology supports, but does not dominate, human interactions.

This is where the structuring of workspaces comes in. To meet the expectations of this generation, it is crucial to offer a hybrid work environment where formal and informal spaces coexist and complement each other. More and more businesses are adopting flexible configurations, allowing employees to choose the space that best fits their current needs.

Informal spaces are designed to offer areas for relaxation or exchanges between employees. Among these spaces, we can find lounge areas and lounges where employees can sit in sofas or armchairs. There is often a warmer atmosphere in these rooms. Cafeteria, tea and catering areas are also highly sought after areas. More than a place to eat, they are places where spontaneous exchanges between colleagues are frequent, whether over coffee or a meal.

The terraces or the furnished outdoor spaces have also become popular among job seekers. These spaces can be used for relaxing moments, to have lunch in the sun in summer or even to work.

Other informal spaces that have recently emerged are play or leisure areas. Some offices include ping pong tables, foosball tables, or even video game areas. These spaces offer a creative break and make it possible to strengthen cohesion between colleagues. A place that is sure to make Gen Z dream!

When it comes to hybrid and flexible spaces, they make it possible to adapt to the changing needs of employees. This type of configuration is essential for a generation that values technology as much as human relationships.

Nowadays, businesses are setting up offices that can be easily reconfigured. For example, mobile tables, removable partitions, and adaptable equipment makes it possible to quickly transform an individual space into a meeting area.

The modular brainstorming rooms, equipped with interactive whiteboards or mobile furniture, allow you to quickly move from a meeting configuration to a creative workspace, where everyone can contribute freely. We have the perfect example of this style of space with our courtyard at Maison Volubilis.

Booths or alcoves for individual calls that are often soundproof allow employees to make calls in complete confidentiality, or to concentrate without being disturbed. Come and test our Leet Design cabin at Maison Volubilis!

For these digital natives, the company is above all a place to live. Eight out of ten young people believe that it is essential for the company to offer a physical workspace, perceived as a place for conviviality, meetings, and learning, which promotes social ties.

The arrival of Gen Z on the job market requires businesses to adapt, but it also brings new energy and a critical eye that pushes for change.

By integrating the expectations of this generation into their strategy, companies are not only attracting the talent of this new generation: they are also positioning themselves as leaders in a world where social and environmental responsibility is becoming an imperative. Through this adaptation, they meet the aspirations of a generation that sees work as a way to contribute to a sustainable and ethical future, in line with major societal challenges.

By 2030, Gen Z will represent 30% of the global workforce. That is potentially a third of your employees! So why not start challenging yourself on these new expectations now?

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