29th Aug 2025

How to design an office that appeals to all generations

Creating an inspiring multi-generational workplace doesn’t mean compromising, it means designing with people in mind. All of them.

Today’s workforce is more age-diverse than ever. With Baby Boomers working longer, Gen Z making up 25% of the global workforce, and Gen Alpha arriving soon, organisations are facing a key design question:

How do we create workplaces that meet the needs of everyone – not just today, but for years to come?

Workplace design has the power to unite generations. It can support individual preferences, encourage collaboration, and reflect shared values. All in a space that people want to spend time in.

In this blog, we explore how you can leverage your office design to bring diverse age groups together and enjoy the benefits that come with building a multi-generational workforce.

The Benefits of Multi-Generational Design

Every employee brings a different perspective to work that’s shaped by their career stage, lived experience and evolving expectations. Designing with this in mind is more than a nice-to-have, it’s a strategy for:

• Inclusive onboarding and retention
  Spaces that feel welcoming and adaptable help people thrive, whether they’re just starting out or have decades of experience.
• Two-way learning and collaboration
  Design that encourages informal connection and knowledge-sharing between generations.
• Future-proofing your workplace
  Generational needs will shift. A flexible, human-focused space adapts as your workforce evolves.

Generations at a Glance: What Different Age Groups Need

Generational profiles give us a starting point to understand how workplace expectations have changed over time. Here’s a quick overview:

Baby Boomers (1946–1964): Grew up with more structured environments and value in-person communication.
Design for: privacy, quiet zones, mentoring spaces.

Gen X (1965–1979): Adapted to digital life later, often self-reliant and focused.
Design for: clear boundaries, solo work areas, functional tech.

Millennials (1980–1994): Values-led, collaborative and wellbeing-focused.
Design for: flexibility, wellness areas, opportunities for growth.

Gen Z (1995–2012): Digital natives shaped by hybrid learning and constant feedback.
Design for: social hubs, learning spaces, tech-integrated design.

Gen Alpha (2013 onwards): Not in the workforce yet, but soon will be. Raised with AI, touchscreens and instant access to everything.
Design for: adaptable tech, intuitive controls, fast learning spaces.

No matter the generation, everyone wants to feel supported, connected and valued. Great workplace design makes that possible.

What to Look At Before Making Changes

Before you dive into redesigning your space, pause and reflect on your current workforce:

• Who’s already part of your team and who are you hoping to attract?
• Are there gaps between the experience your workplace offers and what different groups actually need?
• Are all generations equally supported in how they focus, collaborate and connect?

Ask yourself:

• Are some spaces ideal for newer team members but less comfortable for older employees?
• Do experienced staff have places to share knowledge and feel valued?
• Are there enough reasons for anyone, regardless of age, to choose the office over remote work?

These questions can reveal the opportunities you can unlock with your office design.

Design strategies that support all generations

So how can office design support multiple generations without becoming fragmented or overwhelming? It starts with people-first thinking – then building in flexibility, variety and purpose.

1. Offer choice in how and where people work

Different generations (and individuals!) have different rhythms, preferences and needs, so design for choice, for example:

• Quiet zones for focused work
• Flexible workstations for autonomy
• Social spaces for connection and creativity
• Recharge areas for mental and physical breaks

When people can choose the right environment for the task at hand, they feel more in control and more supported.

2. Design for connection across generations

Relationships don’t grow in isolation. The best-designed workplaces encourage cross-generational collaboration, organically.

How to build connection into your space:

• Provide casual social areas as well as meeting rooms where people can come together
• Create shared ‘lounges’ that mix teams and departments
• Design comfortable, open spaces that invite spontaneous conversation

For younger employees, these moments build confidence and relationships. For experienced team members, it’s a chance to mentor and stay engaged with the day-to-day culture of your organisation.

3. Make wellbeing and values visible

Younger generations pay closer attention to what companies stand for. That includes how inclusive your facilities are, how you support mental health and how you prioritise sustainability.

Think about:

• Access to natural light, ventilation and greenery to improve focus, mood and wellbeing.
• Inclusive facilities like prayer rooms, gender-neutral toilets and accessible layouts.
• Sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems to show your commitment to people and the planet.

Spaces that demonstrate your values help build trust across all generations, especially when values like inclusivity and sustainability matter to everyone.

4. Choose technology that works for everyone

In a multi-generational workplace, tech should feel simple and reliable.

For those who’ve grown up with it, it’s part of what makes the office worth the trip. And for those who’ve seen it evolve, it should enhance communication without making things complicated.

Key features to focus on:

• Simple video conferencing with clear audio and visuals
• Easy-to-use room booking or desk reservation systems
• Unified platforms for collaboration – regardless of tech comfort levels

When the digital layer of the office works seamlessly, it boosts engagement by allowing people to focus on the conversation, not the controls.

Looking ahead to Gen Alpha

They’re not in your office yet, but Gen Alpha is just a few years away. They’ll arrive with new expectations around speed, digital control and adaptability.

To prepare, start now:

• Invest in digital infrastructure and automation
• Create informal learning zones for quick knowledge-sharing
• Build spaces with personalisation and adaptability at the core

Designing for tomorrow means planning smart, flexible systems that can shift as new needs emerge.

Let’s Build a Workplace That Works for Everyone

Designing for multiple generations isn’t about splitting your space by age or preference. It’s about creating an environment that feels relevant, supportive and inspiring to whoever walks through the door.

If you’re ready to create a workspace that reflects your people, your purpose and your future, we’d love to help.

Get in touch to start designing for every stage of working life.