Gen Alphas are entering high school and before we know it, the workplace. Susan Dwyer, Co-CEO & Managing Principal at Hendy, explores the workplace elements this highly diverse, video dependent, technologically literate generation seeks.
As we think about the future of work, one group stands out: Generation Alpha, the first generation to grow up entirely in the 21st century. The million-dollar question centers around the needs and preferences of this cohort, born between 2010 and today. This generation is coming of age in an era defined by rapid technological change, social evolution, and shifting work dynamics. While it’s still early to know everything about how they’ll work, certain trends and characteristics are already emerging, and they give us a glimpse into what Generation Alpha will need in an office environment.
The Digital Natives Shaping the Future
Generation Alpha is the first generation to grow up with touchscreens from day one, following the release of the first iPhone in 2007. They’re true digital natives, always connected to social media and overwhelmed by constant information. With short attention spans and a world full of quick clips and swipes, it’s no surprise that being a social media influencer is one of their top career goals. Influenced by their tech-savvy Millennial parents, they’re entrepreneurial, socially aware, and ready to reshape the corporate world with their unique blend of skills and values.
If you ask any Gen Alpha what they want to do for a living, chances are they won’t mention anything involving an office setting and might even strongly oppose working in an office. The idea of a cubicle seems to repulse Gen Alpha. This is partly due to social media influencers shaping their norms and aspirations. Additionally, shows like Severance and The Office keep the office environment in the mainstream, though often portrayed negatively, a perception reinforced by many Gen Alphas watching their parents navigate the challenges of the post-COVID corporate world.
So, what will the corporate landscape look like when they enter the workforce? It’s predicted that 65% of Gen Alphas will work in jobs that don’t exist today, pushing companies to rethink their workplace strategies. In order to draw Gen Alpha into the corporate landscape, businesses will need to enhance the workplace into a captivating, well designed experience that helps to enhance the workflow and culture of the business.
A User-Centric Approach to Workspaces
The recent shift in office environments is moving away from one-size-fits-all models and toward user-centric workspaces. This means creating environments that prioritize the needs of individual employees – something Gen Alpha, with their distinct preferences, will expect. As companies navigate this shift, one thing is certain: the office experience will play a key role in attracting this generation. Gen Alpha’s expectations for technology and user experience will mirror their innate fluency. Just as retail brands have embraced “experience centers” to engage customers, offices will need to evolve into engaging, multi-functional spaces that cater to both productivity and employee well-being.
The Lasting Influence of the COVID-19 Era
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a major shift in how people view the workplace. It wasn’t just about working from home, it was about rethinking what the office is for and how it facilitates collaboration, learning, and connection. Gen Alpha, all under 10 years old when the pandemic hit, grew up witnessing their parents’ shift to remote work and will enter the workforce expecting flexibility as a standard. But it’s not just about flexibility. It’s also about building a workplace that fosters connection. In a world where technology allows for remote meetings, offices will need to double down on offering meaningful in-person interactions. It will be about bringing people together and making sure those face-to-face moments are impactful.
Experience: Flexibility, Personalization & Growth
Generation Alpha is different from previous generations in many ways, but one thing is clear: they want flexibility, not just in where and when they work, but in how they work. Whether it’s customizing their workspace, choosing their own tools, or setting their own schedules, Gen Alpha will expect a workplace that adapts to them.
They’re also highly entrepreneurial, growing up with the rise of social media influencers and a culture that encourages self-driven careers. This generation will want a work environment that fosters creativity, autonomy, and innovation. The traditional 9-to-5 structure might not appeal to them, and companies will need to get creative in offering opportunities that allow for more freedom in how work is done.
At the same time, Gen Alpha has a strong desire for learning. Growing up with access to endless information, they are used to constantly discovering and expanding their knowledge. Workplaces will need to be more than just places to get tasks done – they’ll need to be environments where employees can continually grow, learn, and develop. Offering ongoing training, mentorship, and opportunities for skill-building will be essential.
A Focus on Wellness and Social Responsibility
Alongside their focus on education, Gen Alpha is already proving to prioritize mental health and holistic wellness. Work environments will need to incorporate elements like quiet zones, outdoor spaces, and ergonomic workstations, making mental health a core feature of office design.
Additionally, Gen Alpha’s strong sense of social justice and environmental responsibility will shape their workplace expectations. They will demand environments that reflect their values, pushing for sustainability, equal opportunities, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Workplaces will need to provide opportunities for employees to contribute meaningfully to societal change, whether through involvement in sustainability efforts or projects with a social impact. Companies that fail to prioritize these values will likely struggle to retain this next generation of talent.
Technology as an Inherent Part of the Workplace
Gen Alpha’s expectations around technology will be sky-high. They won’t just want tech – they’ll expect it to work flawlessly, instantly, and across all devices. Workplaces will need to ensure that employees have access to cutting-edge tools and systems that help them do their best work. Anything less than seamless connectivity and intuitive tech will be a dealbreaker for this generation.
This also means that Gen Alpha will expect a high level of personalization in their digital tools. Just as they curate their social media feeds and online experiences, they’ll expect their work technology to adapt to their unique needs. AI will play a big role in creating personalized, efficient work environments.
Small Groups, Big Community
Though Gen Alpha is digitally connected, they prefer more intimate real-life social settings. They are known to favor smaller, more focused group interactions over large gatherings. To meet these preferences, workplaces will need to foster spaces for both solitude and collaboration. Think semi-enclosed spaces within large offices for focused work, smaller breakout areas for team discussions, and quiet rooms for individual reflection.
More than ever, Gen Alpha will seek a strong sense of community at work. The workplace will become a place not just for productivity but for shared purpose and connection. Companies will need to facilitate opportunities for meaningful in-person connections, whether through community events, collaborative projects, or simple social spaces. This generation sees the workplace not just as a place to work, but as a space for belonging and impact.
Looking Ahead: A Workspace for the Future
In many ways, the workplace of the future will need to be shaped by the expectations and preferences of Generation Alpha. Flexibility, personalization, and community will be essential. Offices will become places that not only enhance productivity but also contribute to mental and emotional well-being. By focusing on user-centric environments that blend technology, wellness, and social responsibility, organizations can create spaces that empower this next generation to thrive.
The future is digital, flexible, and deeply human – and Generation Alpha is leading the way. Companies that embrace these changes will not only meet the needs of this generation but will be well-positioned to succeed in an increasingly fast-paced, ever-evolving world of work.
Photos courtesy of Hendy.
