Designing for Millennials and Gen Z: What Today’s Talent Actually Wants

Attract and retain the next generation through space and culture

As workforce demographics evolve, organisations must reassess how their physical environments and cultural offerings align with the expectations of emerging talent. Millennials and Generation Z now constitute a significant portion of the UK labour market, each bringing distinct values, behaviours, and workplace priorities.

These generations are not merely seeking employment—they desire workplaces that reflect their views on wellbeing, purpose, collaboration, and flexibility. Notably, nearly half of UK Millennials (45%) have declined potential employers due to misaligned values and beliefs, underscoring the importance of organisational alignment with employee ethics. 

In competitive markets, the ability to attract and retain this talent increasingly depends on a business’s capacity to design office spaces and cultivate cultures that are relevant, inclusive, and forward-thinking. For instance, more than three-quarters of UK Gen Zs (77%) and Millennials (71%) would consider leaving their jobs if their employers mandated full-time office attendance, highlighting the critical role of flexibility in modern workplace expectations. 

This blog explores the core design and cultural principles that resonate with Millennial and Gen Z professionals, offering practical insights into how organisations can adapt their workplace strategies to meet the needs of these emerging generations.

What the Next Generation Really Wants from the Workplace

It’s tempting to lump Gen Z and Millennials into the same category — but while they share some common ground, their expectations from the workplace are distinct and evolving. What unites them, however, is a demand for workplaces that respect them as whole people — not just as job titles behind desks.

So, what are they after?

Flexibility and Autonomy

Rigid 9–5 schedules and fixed desk arrangements are increasingly seen as relics. Today’s younger professionals expect the freedom to choose how, when, and where they work. That doesn’t mean chaos — it means trust. Offering hybrid working, modular zones for both collaboration and deep work, and bookable pods reflects an understanding of their need for autonomy.

According to Deloitte’s Gen Z and Millennial Survey, more than three-quarters of Gen Zs and Millennials in the UK would consider leaving their job if they were forced to return to the office full-time. That’s a clear message: flexibility is no longer a perk — it’s a baseline expectation.

Purpose-Driven Design

Beyond salary and benefits, younger generations want to feel their work matters. Offices that echo this sense of purpose — through sustainability initiatives, inclusive design choices, or alignment with social values — stand out.

Whether it’s sourcing FSC-certified materials, integrating wellness-first spaces, or avoiding the typical “one-size-fits-all” layout, purpose should run through the fabric of the workplace.

Inclusive Environments

An inclusive workspace isn’t just about access ramps and HR policies. It’s in the layout, lighting, furniture, and atmosphere. For Gen Z and Millennials, inclusivity includes quiet zones for neurodiverse employees, gender-neutral facilities, and spaces that support a wide range of working styles and mental health needs.

Designing with inclusivity in mind shows your organisation doesn’t just talk the talk — it walks it.

Aligning Office Design with Generational Priorities

It’s one thing to understand what Millennials and Gen Z want — it’s another to translate that into real spaces that support them day to day. Here’s how thoughtful design can turn values into action.

Create Spaces That Reflect Fluid Workstyles

Gone are the days of fixed desks and soulless cubicles. Instead, workplaces should offer zones — flexible, intentional areas tailored to different tasks and energy levels. Think of your office like a city: you need quiet libraries, bustling cafés, and relaxing parks all under one roof.

• Focus zones with acoustic booths or solo work pods for deep concentration
• Collaborative spaces with modular tables and whiteboards for brainstorming
• Recharge areas with soft seating, calming lighting, and biophilic touches for mental reset

Providing options shows trust — and trust breeds loyalty.

Design for Digital Natives

Gen Z, especially, has never known life without Wi-Fi. They're accustomed to digital fluency and expect their work environments to keep up.

That means:

• Wireless charging built into workstations
• Video-conferencing spaces with acoustic insulation and clean backgrounds
• Smart booking systems for desks and meeting rooms
• Tech-integrated furniture that supports movement and multitasking

A frictionless tech experience helps them stay productive — and keeps IT tickets to a minimum.

Lean Into Aesthetic Culture

In a world where everything’s shared online, visuals matter. A dull grey box with plastic furniture doesn’t just look bad — it says something about your brand. Design choices are communication tools.

• Choose colour schemes that energise and calm in the right places — see more in our colour psychology for productivity blog.
• Add visual interest through statement lighting, textured finishes, and curated artwork.
• Allow for some personalisation — Gen Z thrives in spaces that reflect their individuality.

Design isn’t superficial. It’s a language — and your office is speaking volumes.

Aligning Office Design with Generational Priorities

It’s one thing to understand what Millennials and Gen Z want — it’s another to translate that into real spaces that support them day to day. Here’s how thoughtful design can turn values into action.

Create Spaces That Reflect Fluid Workstyles

Gone are the days of fixed desks and soulless cubicles. Instead, workplaces should offer zones — flexible, intentional areas tailored to different tasks and energy levels. Think of your office like a city: you need quiet libraries, bustling cafés, and relaxing parks all under one roof.

• Focus zones with acoustic booths or solo work pods for deep concentration
• Collaborative spaces with modular tables and whiteboards for brainstorming
• Recharge areas with soft seating, calming lighting, and biophilic touches for mental reset

Providing options shows trust — and trust breeds loyalty.

Design for Digital Natives

Gen Z, especially, has never known life without Wi-Fi. They're accustomed to digital fluency and expect their work environments to keep up.

That means:

• Wireless charging built into workstations
• Video-conferencing spaces with acoustic insulation and clean backgrounds
• Smart booking systems for desks and meeting rooms
• Tech-integrated furniture that supports movement and multitasking

A frictionless tech experience helps them stay productive — and keeps IT tickets to a minimum.

Lean Into Aesthetic Culture

In a world where everything’s shared online, visuals matter. A dull grey box with plastic furniture doesn’t just look bad — it says something about your brand. Design choices are communication tools.

• Add visual interest through statement lighting, textured finishes, and curated artwork
• Allow for some personalisation — Gen Z thrives in spaces that reflect their individuality

Design isn’t superficial. It’s a language — and your office is speaking volumes.

Supporting Wellbeing and Reinforcing Culture Through Design

Gen Z has made one thing crystal clear: a healthy workplace culture starts with how that workplace feels. Not just in terms of social dynamics or team-building days, but in the very spaces people spend their time in. For this generation, workplace wellbeing and inclusivity aren’t HR tick-boxes — they’re deal-breakers.

Wellbeing Spaces for Gen Z: More Than a Quiet Room

The next generation isn’t shy about putting their mental health front and centre. They expect their employers to do the same — not with posters and pep talks, but with real, usable, well-designed environments.

• Acoustic pods and sensory-friendly zones give overstimulated brains somewhere to reset. For Gen Z, who are statistically more likely to report anxiety and burnout at work, these spaces offer a way to stay engaged without becoming overwhelmed.
• Natural elements — from daylight to greenery and soft, organic textures — aren’t just design flourishes. They form part of a biophilic approach Gen Z finds grounding, energising, and deeply appealing.
• Furniture that adapts to the user, not the other way round, signals thoughtfulness. Sit-stand desks, lumbar-support seating, and adjustable lighting go a long way toward showing Gen Z employees that their wellbeing is designed into the space.

This isn’t about pampering. It’s about acknowledging that a focused, motivated mind needs the right environment — and that wellbeing and performance are two sides of the same coin.

Culture by Design: A Workplace Gen Z Can See Themselves In

Culture isn’t defined by the copy on a website — it’s felt in the way spaces function. Gen Z cares about alignment between values and behaviour. If your design doesn’t support your culture, they’ll spot the disconnect a mile off.

• Breakout zones and casual collaboration areas encourage authentic interaction, removing the barriers of stiff boardrooms and formal spaces.
• Gender-neutral bathrooms, accessible layouts, and neuroinclusive features help foster a sense of belonging for people from every background — a must-have for a generation that values equity and representation.
• Modular layouts and flexible use of space reflect Gen Z’s preference for autonomy and choice. They want to move through their day — and the office — in a way that suits them, not feel boxed into static routines.
• Sustainability features like recyclable materials, energy-efficient systems, and circular design show Gen Z employees your commitment to the planet — which often ranks as highly as salary on their list of employer criteria.

Workplace culture isn’t just what’s said in onboarding — it’s what’s reinforced in the layout, the lighting, the way teams gather, and the thought that’s gone into giving people room to thrive.

Visual Inspiration: Designing for Gen Z

1. Biophilic and Wellness-Centric Design

Incorporate natural elements like indoor plants, ample natural light, and organic textures to create a calming and health-promoting environment. Such designs not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also contribute to employee well-being and productivity. 

2. Flexible and Modular Workspaces

Design spaces that can easily adapt to various work styles and activities. Modular furniture and open layouts allow for seamless transitions between collaborative sessions and focused individual work, catering to Gen Z's preference for versatility. 

3. Technology-Integrated Environments

Equip workspaces with the latest technology, including high-speed internet, wireless charging stations, and interactive digital tools. Gen Z, being digital natives, value seamless tech integration that supports their work efficiency. 

4. Aesthetic and Instagrammable Spaces

Create visually appealing environments with bold colors, unique design elements, and statement pieces that resonate with Gen Z's social media-savvy nature. An aesthetically pleasing office can boost morale and serve as a powerful branding tool.

5. Inclusive and Diverse Design

Ensure the office design accommodates diverse needs, including gender-neutral restrooms, accessible facilities, and quiet zones for focused work. An inclusive environment fosters a sense of belonging and reflects organizational values.

Supporting Wellbeing and Reinforcing Culture Through Design

Millennials and Gen Z aren’t just clocking in for a pay cheque — they’re showing up for environments that support their lifestyle, reflect their values, and allow them to thrive. Wellbeing isn’t a buzzword to this crowd; it’s a deal-breaker.

That’s why smart design choices aren’t just functional — they’re cultural cues.

Natural materials, soft textures, and greenery tap into the biophilic trends that Gen Z professionals expect to see. According to Work Design Magazine, Gen Z is strongly influenced by surroundings that feel authentic, nature-inspired, and aesthetically balanced — making design not only a practical tool but a silent signal of company ethos.

Just take a scroll through Pinterest or Dezeen and you’ll spot it — layered textures, curved seating, indirect lighting, and plant-dotted corners are no longer a bonus, they’re a baseline. Think velvet-covered booths, timber tones, and acoustic wall panels that double as art.

Need inspiration? Check out Quell Design’s office lighting collection — featuring sculptural wall lights, elegant ceiling fixtures, and modern desk lighting that doubles up as ambient mood-setters. It’s the kind of visual language that speaks to Gen Z’s appreciation for workspaces that feel curated, not clinical.

And beyond the look? It’s about how spaces feel. Providing breakout areas, meditation zones, or even a comfy corner with soft seating sends a clear message: this company gets it. This company cares.

Because for the generation that grew up curating their personal brand and surroundings online, aesthetics aren’t just about style — they’re about feeling seen, supported, and proud to share where they work.

Designing with Purpose, Attracting with Intention

If there’s one thing that’s clear, it’s this — Millennials and Gen Z aren’t just reshaping the workforce; they’re reshaping the workplace. These generations bring energy, purpose, and a high standard for what good work environments look and feel like. And the businesses that listen — and adapt — will be the ones that stay ahead.

Office design today is no longer about flashy furniture or gimmicky add-ons. It’s about culture. Belonging. Flow. It's about creating spaces that make people feel empowered, respected, and energised to do their best work — whether they're deep-diving into solo tasks or bouncing ideas around with a cross-functional team.

From hybrid-ready zones to acoustic privacy pods, biophilic accents to ergonomic layouts, the most effective workspaces in 2025 will be the ones that respond to people’s evolving needs — not just architectural trends.

So if you're looking to attract tomorrow’s top talent and keep your brightest minds engaged, start by asking the right question: Does our space reflect the values of the people who work in it?

If the answer’s no — it might be time for a rethink.