Challenges and strategies for incorporating Generation Z into the workplace

Generation Z (Gen Z) is about to enter the workforce by the millions, bringing with them new demands and challenges for companies and their corporate real estate (CRE) portfolios. This generation (born within the past 20 years) is more technologically savvy than any previous generation and more likely to collaborate with colleagues to complete a task. But with these talents comes certain drawbacks. Gen Z’s tendency to be always plugged in makes them one of the unhealthiest generations both physically and emotionally. To incorporate this new generation into the workplace (and make them every bit as valuable as their Baby Boomer, Generation X Gen X and Millennial colleagues) will require accommodations that allow Gen Z to focus. These include spaces that encourage mindfulness, promote sense of place and foster teamwork. Case studies presented in this paper offer examples of how two companies recently prepared their workplaces to integrate tomorrow’s worker.