Understanding the Youth is key to reshaping the 21st-century world of work and the future of business

Exploring the unique characteristics of a growing workforce generation reveals intriguing insights into what motivates Gen Z in the workforce and effective strategies for attracting and retaining top young talent.

Gen Z are hybrid natives, growing up online. Many have met colleagues as images on screens and likely experienced virtual interviews. They are often mischaracterised as obsessed with social media and preferring remote work over conventional 9-to-5 jobs. However, collaboration is essential to them and sharing skills motivates them.

Commuting long distances daily seems unnecessary and costly to most employees; hence, hybrid working - allowing employees to allocate their time between a local flexible workspace at any location, the company headquarters, and their home - is fast becoming a popular option. This approach is encouraging a better balance between professional and personal lives. It maximises productivity, cuts the commute and promotes a more sustainable work environment for both individuals and the planet.

Gen Z may not have extensive experience, but they offer valuable insights and enthusiasm, with a superior understanding of AI compared to other generations. Granting them the flexibility through hybrid working to select their work environment can help them realise their potential, boost productivity, and ultimately drive growth across the organisation.

This generation is bringing new life experiences and expectations to the workplace, just as past generations have. Companies are placing greater emphasis on their employees' happiness and productivity by allowing them to work in environments where they feel most effective, making the next generation crucial in future decisions that shape these choices.

“We live in an era where youth is undeniably important because they embody the new and modern. The youth increasingly prioritise work-life balance and flexibility over traditional, rigid work schedules, while also enabling companies to maintain and even increase productivity. Hybrid work, by design, offers a better balance, allowing individuals to work from a variety of locations. This shift aligns with younger generations’ preference for autonomy, making hybrid work a model that meets their needs while also enhancing retention and job satisfaction,” says Joanne Bushell, Commercial EVP Middle East and Africa, IWG PLC. ​

So, what do they want from the office?

A Gen Z survey by Dell found that 80% want to work with 'cutting edge' technology, while 91% stated that the technology offered by an employer would influence their decision between job offers. They also desire a variety of spaces where collaboration with colleagues feels natural, whether around a large table or in a lounge or café area. Furthermore, they want separate quiet spaces for focused, head-down work. In short, they seek flexibility and the freedom to choose.

As businesses adapt to flexible strategies, South African companies increasingly embrace hybrid work to boost efficiency. Free from a single location, enterprises can operate from numerous centres worldwide, such as those provided by IWG, the largest flexible office space provider, with around 4,000 locations in over 120 countries. Notably, 83% of Fortune 500 companies are among our expanding customer base.

Gen Z's profound dedication to environmental and social responsibility distinguishes them markedly from their immediate predecessors. ​ They seek employers that align with their values and are motivated by ethical considerations, expecting the same commitment from their workplaces. Although salary is a factor in their career choices, several other elements significantly impact their decisions. In fact, they are transforming the workplace to such a degree that it is now crucial for organisations to create youth-friendly environments to attract and retain top talent.

“Contrary to work-shy stereotypes and memes encouraging “quiet quitting”, Mark Dixon, founder and chief executive of office group IWG, says Gen Z are “not only rapidly rising as a demographic of substantial influence, but are incredibly hard working” and “expect a healthy balance between their professional lives and their personal pursuits” says IWG CEO Mark Dixon”.

“Hybrid working gives companies the financial flexibility to invest in their staff and grow the business instead of the buildings in which they operate. “In our experience, businesses that opt for a fully equipped workspace, with everything from furniture to super-fast Wi-Fi provided, often see an immediate halving of their property costs, releasing capital to invest in generating stakeholder value,” Bushell adds.

The hybrid approach opens up a new world for many businesses regarding recruitment. No longer restricted to searching in specific locations, firms can begin to look beyond their usual talent pools to find truly best-fit candidates for positions. Attracting the best talent from Gen Z to work for you is crucial for the future of your business. Their education, career aspirations, technological skills, and enthusiasm will shape the 21st-century workplace.

About IWG Plc.

International Workplace Group is the global leader in hybrid work solutions and workspace brands. We create personal, financial, and strategic value for businesses of every size, from some of the most exciting companies and well-known organisations to individuals and the next generation of industry leaders. They all harness the power of International Workplace Group's hybrid working platform to increase their productivity, efficiency, agility, and market proximity. ​

 International Workplace Group's unrivalled network coverage includes approximately 4,000 locations across more than 120 countries, and 83% of Fortune 500 companies are amongst our growing customer base. ​ ​ 

Through our brands, including Regus, Spaces, HQ, and Signature, we help millions of people and their businesses work more productively. We provide the world's leading hybrid work platform with professional, inspiring and collaborative workspaces and digital services, all available via the International Workplace Group app.

For more information, visit ​www.iwgplc.com