The expectations of the workplace are changing, driven by a new generation that prioritises sustainability, wellness and flexibility.
Gen Z, those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, is reshaping the way businesses approach office design, work-life balance and company culture.
As this generation increasingly becomes a dominant force in the workplace, companies are having to adapt to their demands – and one company facilitating this shift is Bruntwood SciTech, the UK’s largest property platform dedicated to the growth of innovation-led businesses.
A joint venture between Bruntwood, Legal & General and Greater Manchester Pension Fund, the company specialises in creating cutting-edge workspaces tailored to the needs of high-growth science, technology and innovation-led businesses.
With a portfolio spanning Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Liverpool, along with Cambridgeshire and soon-to-be arriving in London, Bruntwood SciTech is investing heavily in the future of work.
In Manchester alone, it is underway with £243million of building new buildings and refurbishing existing ones to create the best, and most sustainable, workspaces for these type of businesses and their employees, whether they’re starting their journeys with 1 person, through to providing office and lab space for global HQs. This is all part of a wider £314million investment commitment across the UK to help drive the growth of innovation.
One of its latest redevelopment projects, a 1960s office block on King Street in Manchester called Pall Mall, exemplifies how workplaces are evolving to meet the needs of modern professionals. With sustainability and wellness at its core, Pall Mall, which will open in Autumn this year, will offer a variety of flexible workspaces and breakout spaces, a free state-of-the-art gym, an on-site independent coffee shop, a contemplation room, a roof terrace, new green outdoor space, will be powered by 100% renewable energy in all of its communal spaces, and has eco-conscious design features that align with Gen Z’s values.
To understand exactly what Gen Z is looking for in the workplace, we spoke to Josh Hancock, Associate Commercial Director for Bruntwood SciTech.
A flight to quality: Design-led spaces that prioritise wellbeing
“Gen Z is looking for more than just a desk in an office,” said Hancock. “They want high-quality, design-led spaces that enhance their work experience. A well-thought-out environment isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about fostering productivity and wellbeing.”
Bruntwood SciTech has responded to this demand by ensuring its spaces combine premium interior design with functionality. From boutique hotel-style finishes at nearby King’s House (you might also recognise it as the home to San Carlo!) to the multi-purpose workspaces at Pall Mall – the focus is on creating environments that feel both inspiring and comfortable.
“Wellness is a huge priority,” Hancock added. “We know that Gen Z appreciates workplaces that support both their physical and mental health. That’s why we’re incorporating free on-site gyms, yoga and pilates classes, quiet places, and breakout spaces designed for relaxation. It’s about enabling professionals to achieve a genuine work-life balance within their working environment.”
This demand for balance is echoed by Lucy Mooney, People & Brand Director at Modern Milkman, which has a base at Bruntwood SciTech’s 111 Piccadilly.
“Our teams want to work in a hybrid way and with as much flexibility as possible,” she said. “So things like early access to the building, showers and locker facilities. They want the office to be busy and have atmosphere but also have lots of quiet, private spaces to work effectively in as an individual or as a group.”
Sustainability as a workplace essential
Another defining factor for Gen Z is sustainability. “This generation is more environmentally conscious than any before it,” Hancock explained. “They want to work in places that align with their values, so we’re seeing a greater demand for energy-efficient offices, sustainable materials and recycling initiatives.”
Pall Mall, for example, has been designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating sustainable furniture, biophilic design elements, and an all-electric heating and cooling system. “It’s not just about ticking a box; it’s about creating a space where businesses and employees can feel good about the environmental impact they are making,” Hancock added.
The redevelopment of the Grade II-listed building will save 7,900 tonnes of CO₂, equivalent to 26,000 flights from London to New York. It’s also going to be net zero carbon in its operation.
The role of technology in the modern workplace
For Gen Z, technology is an expectation, not an option. “They’ve grown up in a digital world, so they want workplaces that reflect that,” said Hancock. “At 111 Piccadilly, for instance, we’ve introduced real-time sustainability tracking, displaying air quality and energy efficiency statistics on communal screens. It’s right next door to Piccadilly Station and we’ve got real time travel updates on screens to alert people before they make their travel plans. It’s about creating a transparent, smart workplace that aligns with their tech-savvy mindset.”
Seamless digital integration is key, from smart booking systems for meeting rooms to app-controlled lighting and heating. Gen Z values efficiency, and businesses that adopt cutting-edge workplace technology will have a competitive advantage in attracting young professionals.
The next generation of talent
Bruntwood SciTech’s investment in workplace transformation is significant. Across the UK, it is creating an additional 1.45 million square feet of workspace designed to support the growth of science, tech and innovation businesses.
“Manchester’s digital and tech sector is worth £5 billion, and Gen Z is playing an increasingly important role in that growth,” Hancock said. “They’re the next generation of talent, working in areas like coding, cloud computing and data analytics, and we want to ensure that our workspaces are built to support their ambitions.”
Pall Mall exemplifies this approach. The £30 million redevelopment will transform a Grade II listed building into a modern innovation hub while maintaining its heritage. The space will include leased, serviced and coworking areas, a large cycle hub and secure EV charging points.
“We’re creating workspaces that help businesses scale, whether they need longer-term leases or more flexible all-inclusive serviced options,” Hancock said. “And we’re doing it in a way that prioritises sustainability, reduces carbon emissions and promotes net-zero construction.”
‘No longer about slides, jungles or ping-pong tables’
The focus on quality over gimmicks is confirmed by another of Bruntwood SciTech’s customers: Brave Bison (owners of Social Chain), based at 127 Portland Street.
“At Social Chain and Brave Bison we’ve moved beyond the gimmicks to curate a workspace in Manchester that empowers our Gen Z talent to create career-defining work,” said Charlotte Bowker, Brave Bison’s Strategic Projects Director.
“Our focus is inspiring creativity, equipping teams with brilliant technology, and designing shared spaces that facilitate connection – whether it’s collaborating on projects, engaging in our well-being initiatives or simply sharing lunch.
“For us, it’s no longer about slides, jungles or ping-pong tables. It’s about fostering creativity, building genuine connections, and cultivating an environment where bold ideas thrive.”
Looking to the future
Looking ahead, Bruntwood SciTech remains focused on ensuring its developments meet the evolving needs of the workforce.
“It’s not just about creating beautiful workspaces,” Hancock added. “It’s about designing environments where people and businesses can truly thrive. Gen Z is redefining what the workplace should be, and we’re committed to building spaces that support their ambitions, now and in the future.”
To find out more about Bruntwood SciTech, see here.
