Gen Z is redefining the office: What it means for workplace culture

Written by Alistair Ward from Coinadrink Limited

By 2030, Gen Z will make up nearly 30 per cent of the global workforce, and they’re already reshaping expectations around company culture, flexibility, and amenities.

Are you ready for Gen Z?

For the newest generation entering the workforce, the office is no longer just a desk and a chair.

It’s a hub for connection, creativity, and wellbeing. It’s a place where people come together to collaborate, recharge, and feel part of something meaningful.

If businesses want to attract and retain Gen Z talent, they need to rethink what the office experience offers, because the traditional model simply isn’t enough anymore.

The next generation of professionals expects more than functional spaces and routine perks; they want environments that align with their values and enhance their quality of life.

Research shows that 61 per cent of Gen Z employees would leave a job for better mental health support, and 80 per cent want to work for an employer that reflects their personal values.

This is a generation that prizes purpose, inclusivity, and wellbeing over outdated notions of hierarchy or presenteeism.

Why Gen Z wants more than just a workspace

Forget beanbags and gimmicks. Gen Z is looking for purposeful, energising environments that inspire creativity and foster genuine human connection.

They want workplaces that support how they actually live and work: flexible, digital-first, and community-minded.

They expect spaces that include:

• Breakout zones for relaxation, informal collaboration, and spontaneous networking.
• Healthy snacks and drinks that support mental and physical wellbeing.
• Tech-enabled convenience, from smart coffee machines to touchless vending.
• Spaces that feel social, not sterile: warm, inviting, and designed with people in mind.

This shift isn’t about creating a “trendy” office; it’s about building a culture that makes the commute worthwhile. When employees come in, they want to feel energised, appreciated, and connected, not just productive.

The surprising role of refreshment facilities in the modern workplace

It might sound simple, but refreshments play a surprisingly powerful role in shaping workplace culture. Shared spaces like coffee areas and snack zones act as informal meeting points where ideas spark, conversations flow, and relationships are built.

Access to quality refreshments, whether it’s a great cup of coffee or a healthy mid-afternoon snack, signals that a business genuinely cares about its people. It creates a sense of hospitality and belonging that goes far beyond convenience.

In short, refreshments aren’t just a perk; it’s a cultural touchpoint that influences how people feel about coming into work.

Convenience meets company culture

To meet these evolving expectations, more organisations are turning to fully managed vending solutions and premium coffee services.

These modern systems offer a blend of convenience, quality, and sustainability that resonates deeply with Gen Z values.

They deliver:

• Effortless convenience. No admin, no maintenance, no hassle.
• Choice and quality, from barista-style coffee to nutritious food and snacks.
• Sustainability, with energy-efficient machines, waste facilities, and responsibly sourced ingredients.

These aren’t just vending and coffee machines, they’re part of a broader strategy to make the office a destination, not an obligation.

They show that the company is forward-thinking, employee-focused, and committed to creating a space where people actually want to be.

The bigger picture

As hybrid working continues to evolve, every trip to the office needs to feel intentional and worthwhile. The physical workspace must now compete with the comfort and convenience of home.

And that means businesses need to offer something more.

Investing in people-first spaces with thoughtful amenities isn’t just about keeping up with trends; it’s about building a culture of care, connection, and creativity. From great coffee to inviting breakout zones, every detail contributes to how employees experience their workday.

Small touches, like that perfect cappuccino or a well-stocked fresh food facility with healthier choices, can make a big difference in how people feel, collaborate, and perform.

Ready to rethink the workplace for Gen Z?

If you’re reimagining your workspace to attract and inspire the next generation, we’d love to help our fellow Chamber members.

Discover how our vending and coffee solutions can enhance your workplace culture and elevate the everyday experience.