Gensler‘s Vince Flickinger introduces us to the incoming generation, Gen Alpha, and the work environments that will best suit their abilities and skills.
Generation Alpha (Gen Alpha) began entering high school in the fall of 2024. This diverse group is the first to be wholly born in the 21st century and have the shared experience of being educated during COVID. As digital natives raised at the introduction of artificial intelligence, they are information-hungry, depend highly on technology and video, and want to be seen and heard.
Knowing this, the educational system has evolved to accommodate and amplify their abilities and skills, which includes incorporating the generation’s more preferred video-based technologies. In eight short years, Gen Alpha will enter the workforce. It would be wise for their future employers to begin preparing for them by understanding their needs and using that information to purposefully design an engaged, productive, and innovative environment.
Understanding the Most Technologically Fluent Generation
Distinctively, Gen Alpha is highly technologically fluent. Smartphones, tablets, and voice assistants are second nature to them, and they interact with technology in new and imaginative ways. As this group begins their careers, they will expect companies to utilize cutting-edge tools and technology. Known as a generation that seeks a challenge, Gen Alpha will lead the way as digital platforms such as virtual reality and augmented reality merge, and they will push boundaries with the growth of extended reality. This can be seen with the introduction of smart glasses and the use of headsets and haptic devices such as gloves and controllers within the workplace.
The utilization of video-based technologies will prevail as Gen Alpha continues to embrace it for the purposes of education, entertainment, and culture. For this demographic, dynamic, short, and informative content is preferred over written documents or emails. Leading organizations understand this trend and have pivoted to accommodate presentations, internal communications, and training materials accordingly.
Aligning the Workplace with Values and Beliefs
Being highly diverse, Gen Alpha values inclusivity and equality. They continue to grow up in a world where race, sustainability, mental health, and gender are common topics. To become an attractive employer to Gen Alpha, organizations should embrace diversity as a business foundation. This includes developing and communicating a commitment to transparency and fostering a culture of openness and opportunity.
This philosophy also translates to the built environment. Workspaces that are attractive to Gen Alpha are tangible reflections of a company’s values. For example, a workplace that demonstrates its inclusion of all employees both celebrates and is sensitive to various backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and disabilities. This might include designing sensory spaces for those with neurodiversity, incorporating gender-neutral, private restrooms, or making accommodations beyond ADA standards.
Gensler’s San Francisco Office
Gensler’s recently completed San Francisco office incorporates spaces with lower light levels, deep and moody finishes, smaller scaled settings, and sound absorbing textures designed to support focus work. The large, single floorplate provides a total of 376 work points and more than 12 seating postures to accommodate the unique needs of each team member and ensure the office is inclusive and accessible
Increased space allocations assist in limiting mobility issues and provide private spaces for all, which prevents individuals with special needs from feeling alienated. This approach is gaining momentum and developing in the energy workplace sector. Considering all employee needs in the workplace speaks to Gen Alpha’s expectation that the work environment is highly specialized, personalized and connected.
The Akin Gump Houston Office
At Akin Gump’s Houston office, this idea is put into practice through the firm’s wellness and fitness amenities, which include a suite of three private, reservable individual fitness rooms, each with a dedicated, ADA accessible shower. The inclusive spaces accommodate all gender identities and physical abilities, with a privacy consideration to cater to those who prefer to separate exercise from professional relationships. A relaxation area prohibits phones and computers and features three private rooms with soft lighting, warm materials, comfortable furniture, and soothing graphics
Additionally, Gen Alpha is interested in receiving mentorship and building their skills. As a generation that is accustomed to accomplishing tasks both in-person and online, the workplace will require spaces, predominantly third places, that foster interaction and successfully host virtual attendees. This duality will inform companies of their needs for space and offer Gen Alpha the flexibility to work where and when they want, allowing for the ability to better manage their lives and define the boundary between professional and personal.
A New Era
As Gen Alpha enters the workforce, businesses will need to adapt in significant ways to ensure that their work environments are conducive to the needs and expectations of this generation. With their technological fluency, desire for flexibility, emphasis on video communication, commitment to inclusivity, and push for purpose, Gen Alpha will redefine what it means to work in the modern world. Companies that proactively design workspaces and cultures with these factors in mind will not only attract top talent from this generation but also foster an environment that encourages innovation, creativity, and collaboration. The future of work is rapidly evolving, and the key to success lies in understanding and embracing the values and preferences of the next generation of professionals.
