In a world where remote work seemed to be the future, a surprising revelation has emerged. More than half of Gen Z and millennials now favor traditional office work over remote arrangements. Awfis and Savills’ collaborative report, “Gen-Flex Workspaces,” challenges our preconceived notions about the new-age workforce and explores the evolving dynamics of the industry.
The survey conducted over one month collected responses from over 500 occupiers across various sectors, focusing on gaining insights from the perspectives of Millennials and Gen Z. To ensure diversity, participants from different age groups and various cities were included in the survey, providing a comprehensive dataset.
The report not only delves into workplace trends but also scrutinizes the overall workplace experience, sustainability, and technology integration. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the next generation’s preferences as they enter the workforce.
Amit Ramani, founder & CEO of Awfis, explains, “The shifting work preferences of Millennials and Gen Z, with a significant presence in today’s workforce, have notably impacted the dynamics of modern workplaces. To understand this tectonic shift in the workplace landscape and chart a path to a successful future, we need to map the dynamics that revolve around their preferences.”
Sumit Lakhani, deputy CEO of Awfis, adds, “Our research uncovers a significant desire for the indispensable impact of human interaction in a physical workplace. This revelation not only dispels misconceptions about Gen-Z and Millennials but also highlights a universal truth that goes beyond age and location: the profound need for meaningful connections and collaborative synergy in our professional lives.”
Anurag Mathur, CEO of Savills India, observes, “In the three years following the pandemic, we’ve witnessed a radical shift in our understanding and connection with the workplace. The workplace of the next generation is an arena of discovery, experimentation, and adaptation.”
The report uncovers several key findings that shed light on the preferences of the younger workforce. Here are some highlights:
- Return to Work: While 66% of respondents are mandated to go to the office every day, 50% of them prefer it. Only 5% prefer working remotely full-time.
- Biggest Challenges: Commuting, work-life balance, high living costs, and relocation from hometowns were the main concerns. Gen Z respondents showed higher concern for relocation and living costs.
- Paradigm Asymmetry Across Cities: Top cities require more in-office work, while other cities prefer remote or hybrid models.
- Understanding Work Models Across Generations: Gen Z and Millennials show a stronger preference for “only office” work models than Gen-X plus.
- People Matter: The desire for human interaction and collaboration was a common theme across generations. Collaborative and professional spaces were preferred.
- Integration of Flexible Workspaces: Employees prefer branch offices or coworking spaces closer to home, emphasizing collaboration and social interaction.
- Flight to Quality Workspaces: Inclusive spaces, recreational and wellness areas, short commute times, and accessibility to public transport were top priorities for enhancing the office experience.
- Preference for Sustainable Workspaces: Employees prioritize air and water quality, with Gen Z and Late Millennials valuing fitness features.
- Embracing Technology: Technology-driven meeting room scheduling systems, visitor management systems, and automated temperature control were essential features for employees.
In conclusion, the “Gen-Flex Workspaces” report challenges our assumptions about remote work, highlighting the importance of the physical office for meaningful connections, collaboration, and productivity. The workplace of the future, according to the survey, is a dynamic space that caters to the needs and preferences of the next generation.
