May 25, 2025

It feels like the workplace has been in a constant state of flux for quite some time. From the uptick in hybrid and remote working to shifting demographics that make up the workforce, change continues to happen at speed.

Indeed, according to The Institute of Internal Communication, Gen Z will make up 39% of the workforce this year, rising to 70% by 2030. This is significant, as it will bring fundamentally different expectations about what an office should be and do.

Today, the office is no longer just a place where work happens. It’s becoming an experience destination that must cater to diverse generational needs whilst maintaining its core function as a productive environment.

From function to experience

The traditional office model, built around efficiency and standardisation, is giving way to something far more nuanced. Today’s workforce, which spans four generations, needs an office model that offers meaningful experiences rather than merely providing desks and meeting rooms.

Gen Z employees, who have spent their formative years navigating digital-first environments, expect offices to seamlessly blend technology with human connection. They value transparency, authenticity, and spaces that reflect their personal values.

Meanwhile, Millennials continue to drive demand for wellness-focused environments and flexible working arrangements, whilst Gen X and remaining Boomers bring institutional knowledge and preference for certain traditional structures.

Designing for multi-generational needs 

The future office must be something of a chameleon – adapting to serve different purposes throughout the day and accommodating various working styles.

This means creating activity-based working zones rather than assigned seating, offering diverse spaces for focused work, collaboration, socialising and relaxation. These areas allow workers to choose environments that match their tasks and preferences.

Technology-enhanced experiences will form the backbone of these adaptive spaces. Smart building systems that learn and adapt to user preferences, from lighting and temperature to room bookings and catering orders, will become standard. However, the key is making technology invisible so it enhances experiences without creating complexity.

Wellness and community spaces will reflect the growing importance of holistic employee care across all generations. Areas dedicated to physical and mental wellbeing, including meditation rooms and fitness facilities, will become as essential as traditional meeting rooms.

The human connection premium

At the same time, as digital tools become more sophisticated, the value of genuine human interaction increases. Glassdoor research highlights this trend, noting that while AI and automation excel at information processing, there is an irreplaceable premium on human peer-to-peer connection.

The future office becomes a stage for these meaningful interactions – designed not just for productivity but for building relationships, fostering creativity and strengthening company culture. Hybrid working policies have only amplified this need, making in-office time more precious and purposeful.

Creating memorable workplace experiences

Experience-driven offices focus on emotional connection as well as functionality. This includes curated environments that tell a story about company values and culture, using design elements that resonate with different generational preferences.

Service approaches will feel more like high-end hospitality than traditional office management, with personalised touches that make each employee feel valued. Regular events, workshops and social activities will give people compelling reasons to come to the office beyond meetings.

The future of facilities management

For facilities management companies like Anabas, this transformation represents both a challenge and an opportunity.

Success in the future office landscape requires moving beyond maintenance and compliance to actively shaping positive workplace experiences. This means understanding the subtle differences in how various generations interact with space and technology.

Data-driven insights will become crucial, with workplace analytics helping to understand how spaces are used and how they can be optimised for different demographic groups. We need to monitor everything from footfall patterns to energy usage to inform design decisions.

Service personalisation will involve developing capabilities to deliver customised experiences that feel individual whilst remaining efficient and cost-effective – this might include anything from personalised desk settings to curated amenity offerings.

Building flexible service models that can quickly adapt to changing needs, whether that’s reconfiguring spaces for different work styles or implementing new technologies as preferences evolve, will be essential for FM providers looking to thrive in this new landscape.

As we look towards this multi-generational future, one thing is clear – the most successful offices will be those that prioritise human experience alongside operational efficiency. The companies that master this balance will be the ones that attract and retain the best talent across all generations.

The future office is more than where we work. It will shape how working makes us feel. And in an era of demographic change, getting that experience right has never been more crucial.