July 22, 2025 | BOMA International, Ella Krygiel
Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, are projected to make up 30% of workers globally by 2030, according to Johns Hopkins University. With only five years to go before reaching that milestone, managers need to think strategically about the values and expectations this generation brings. Not to mention, commercial real estate professionals, too, must consider how to adapt office workspaces to meet the flexibility, comfort and technology Gen-Z demands. Two experts in the CRE industry, Kyle Haakenson, Founding Partner, Porter and Michael Webb, Partner, Real Estate Group, Farrell Fritz, P.C. in New York share their thoughts on how offices and employers can design spaces that align with Gen-Z’s preferences. Read on to learn more:
The Workplace Values and Features Gen-Z Expects
“At the core, I think Gen Z wants work to feel human and conducted in places that align with their values,” Haakenson says. “They’re looking for environments with purpose that prioritize authenticity and connection.” The 2025 Deloitte Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey aligns with this view, noting that 89% of Gen Zers say purpose is key to job satisfaction and well-being. Haakenson expands on these work expectations: “They expect the workplace to support their wellbeing, not compromise it. That means spaces that are not only functional, but emotionally resonant while supporting their career growth through learning and inclusion.”
One way developers can meet these values is by investing in coworking spaces. A Coworker article describes how the evolution of content creators and freelance workers has put a new need on the map: environments that work for every kind of career. As Webb acknowledges the “tug-of-war” we’re facing — with employees demanding hybrid flexibility and employers pursuing in-office mandates — he notes: “It boils down to having a workplace that pulls people in and incentivizes employees to work in the office.” Below are some of Webb’s observations on what tenants are prioritizing in buildings:
- Support for sustainable commuting, including EV charging stations and storage for e-bikes and scooters.
- Increased access to wellness amenities, such as day passes for on-site gyms and health programs.
- Community-focused features, like rooftop event spaces, cafés and inviting common areas.
- Strong ESG and LEED certifications that align with company values.
- Thoughtful build-outs that emphasize communal design elements, including wellness rooms, coffee stations, collaboration areas and cafeteria spaces.
Haakenson adds: “Employers need to go beyond perks and look at the full experience of coming into the office. That includes thoughtful, hospitality-forward design that reflects culture and community; programming that encourages interaction; and spaces that adapt to different working styles, from focused heads-down work to collaborative sessions.”
How Offices and Commercial Spaces Can Adapt
“Lifestyle-driven,” “wellness” and “fun” are the words Haakenson and Webb offered when describing the types of offices that Gen Z and others are seeking, especially as in-office requirements persist. “At Porter, we’re seeing the traditional notion of the office dissolve into something more fluid and dynamic,” Haakenson says. “For Gen Z, the experience of in-person work is all about how spaces can transform throughout the day or week to support different kinds of collaboration, communal meals, events and interactions.”
A 2024 Eptura article shares some fun tips for how to design offices that not only improve collaboration and appeal — but attract and retain top talent:
- Open Floor Plan and Dividers: Cubicles and corner offices are out, Eptura notes. These traditional layouts can act as “physical barriers that become creative barriers,” ultimately limiting collaboration. Still, within an open floor plan, they suggest adding freestanding dividers — like bookshelves or plant walls — so introverted employees have quick escape options when they need to focus.
- Embrace an Artistic Style: As fun as beige walls and fluorescent lighting can be, incorporating colorful artwork and adding windows for natural light can boost office morale. Eptura also recommends adjustable-height desks (for those wanting a break from sitting), as well as yoga balls or other playful seating options to replace stiff office chairs.
In addition to designing with these ideas in mind, Webb emphasizes that what’s outside the office matters, too. Developing a building that’s sustainable and environmentally responsible can have a big impact on retention. He’s not wrong: a study by the World Economic Forum determined that Gen Z shows the most concern for the planet’s well-being and influences others to make sustainability-first buying decisions. As Haakenson says, “Community is no longer an afterthought; it’s built into our programming and design strategy from day one.”
Aligning CRE Investments With Gen-Z’s Financial Values
“CRE leaders need to think about space as a service, and experience as the product,” Haakenson states. “That requires investing in physical design, operations, curation, and community-building. Gen Z is selective and budget-conscious, but they’ll spend on what they feel connected to, so authenticity, storytelling and experiential quality matter more than flash.”
According to Edelman, much of Gen Z’s trust in a brand depends on its ability to hear, see and reflect their values. This is where workplace design and community-building efforts can make a lasting impact, as Haakenson emphasizes. Webb shares a recent example: the $1.1B sale of a Class A office building in NYC. It’s a signal, he says, that high-quality buildings with national and noteworthy tenants remain desirable investments — and centerpiece assets for a portfolio. “Modern, sustainable, centrally located, well-designed and intentionally built real estate assets will continue to attract and pull people in, which drives revenue, which makes an attractive investment,” he highlights.
Haakenson also shares an example: “We advise our partners at Porter to treat amenity spaces as brand touchpoints. That means designing for both emotional and physical utility: spaces that surprise, delight, and feel intentional to those who inhabit them daily. It also means layering in flexible infrastructure that allows for pop-ups, programming, and hybrid uses that can evolve over time.” As he notes, the ROI here isn’t just occupancy — it’s engagement, retention and long-term value creation. Looking ahead, millennials, Gen Z and Gen Alpha are projected to make up 80% of the workforce in advanced economies by 2034, according to the World Economic Forum. To stay relevant, CRE professionals will need to re-strategize how they design, lease and create spaces that offer both function and experience.
To learn more about the next generation workforce, click here to watch BOMA’s latest CRE Unscripted episode, where we dive deeper into this topic.
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