Gen Z office workers (those born between 1997 – 2012) want to be in the office 3.4 days a week on average, have good Wi-Fi and be located close to public transport connections, gyms and Pilates studios, according to new research from Savills.

As part of its Impacts thought leadership programme, Savills World Research conducted a global survey assessing different generations’ housing, workplace and lifestyle preferences. Generation Z deviated from the broader tendency for younger respondents to prefer fewer days in the office. Although respondents across all generations currently report attending the office for approximately four days a week, Generation Z would prefer 3.4 days, more than Millennials (3.2 days for Younger Millennials and 3.3 days for Elder Millennials), and closer to the preferences reported by Generation X (3.5) and Baby Boomers (3.5). However, Savills says that although Generation Z reports being in the office more frequently than older groups, the cohort still places significant value on work-life balance, with all Generation Z respondents saying this is ‘moderately’ or ‘extremely’ important.

Within the office, high-quality Wi-Fi is the most essential amenity across all age groups, while public transport connections are more important to younger respondents, with access to meeting rooms ranking higher with age. These preferences suggest that younger employees value offices that are both well connected and designed to facilitate open interaction, and view the office as a place for learning, development and social connection.

Generation Z respondents report having the longest commutes, with 46% travelling for 41 minutes or more. Savills says this is likely due to more affordable housing largely being located outside city centres, therefore driving their desire to work in offices with good public transport connections.

In terms of nearby facilities, restaurants are the highest-rated local amenity across every age group, but gyms and wellness centres appeal more strongly to younger respondents. When asked to expand, Generation Z respondents expressed a preference for gyms and Pilates studios above other wellness facilities such as health food stores and padel/tennis courts.

Arvind Nandan, Managing Director, Research & Consulting, Savills India comments: “Gen Z’s workplace preferences highlight the importance of creating office environments that support collaboration, career development and employee well-being. As India’s workforce evolves, organisations will need to consider how workplace design, reliable technology and connectivity can make office attendance more meaningful. Access to public transport and nearby lifestyle amenities will also be important considerations in shaping workplaces that respond to the expectations of younger employees.”

Kelcie Sellers, Associate Director in Savills World Research team, adds: “As Generation Z becomes a larger part of the workforce- with its oldest members of the generation turning 29 in 2026 – we see real estate markets increasingly looking to adapt to their preferences. As attitudes and preferences evolve across generations, developers, employers and governments must understand where meaningful differences exist and how these may affect demand. For each generation, changing expectations create both challenges and opportunities for real estate.”