Gen Z: Powering the Future of Work
By Robert Kroon
By 2030, Gen Z is projected to make up a third of the U.S. workforce, becoming a dominant force in driving business value. This demographic shift is not just about numbers; it's a fundamental change in the skills, values, and expectations that are reshaping our workplaces and economy. For commercial real estate owners, architects, facility managers, and designers, understanding this shift is no longer a trend—it's a critical business imperative.
Here’s a deeper look into the key drivers of their importance:
Digital Fluency as a Core Competency: This generation has a natural proficiency with digital tools, data, and an expectation for seamless technology in every aspect of their lives. They are a catalyst for digital transformation, pushing companies to adopt more efficient and collaborative tech stacks. Their comfort with new platforms makes them invaluable for driving innovation.
A Shift in Values and Expectations: Gen Z is pragmatic and purpose-driven. They demand more than just a paycheck; they want to work for companies that align with their personal values, particularly regarding social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). They are willing to leave a job if an employer's actions don't match their stated values, which influences everything from product development to corporate culture.
Redefining Productivity and Flexibility: Unlike previous generations that may have viewed remote work as a perk, Gen Z sees flexibility as a non-negotiable standard. They seek a better work-life balance and prefer hybrid models that offer the option to work from anywhere. This emphasis on autonomy and well-being drives the need for agile workplaces that empower them to be productive on their own terms.
The Agile Workplace: A Strategic Solution
This is where the Agile Workplace becomes essential. The office is no longer a fixed destination but a flexible hub for collaboration and connection. Companies that fail to adapt will struggle to attract and retain the talent that will drive future growth. August Berres provides the perfect solution suite to make this transition seamless and cost-effective.
August Berres: Empowering a New Generation
August Berres' products are a compelling answer to creating agile workspaces that attract and retain this vital demographic. Their product suite—including Respond!, CampFire, Juce, C-Power, and Wallies—is designed to meet Gen Z's need for both mobility and modern technology.
Consider the power of mobility. Respond! and CampFire, as battery-powered desks and solutions leveraging technologies such as fault-managed power (FMP) and battery-powered Agile Furniture, liberate workspaces from the constraints of fixed power outlets. Spaces can be reconfigured in minutes, not days. Juce, the mobile monitor stand, further enhances this flexibility, enabling dynamic presentations and collaborative sessions anywhere in the office.
About the author:
Bob Kroon is a recognized thought leader and innovator with over four decades of experience in the electro-mechanical and furniture industries. As the CEO and founder of August Berres, he envisions overcoming the limitations of traditional building power by enabling the Agile Workplace through a smart power ecosystem.
Bob passionately advocates for technologies such as building microgrids, fault-managed power (FMP), and battery-powered Agile Furniture, which are transforming the design and utilization of commercial spaces. Under his leadership, a suite of innovative solutions has been brought to market, including Respond!, Juce, CampFire, and Wallies. These products empower building owners, architects, and facility managers to retrofit buildings for today’s dynamic work environment.
