Millennials, Gen Z drive Brisbane generational office changes

A new generation of Brisbane office workers will be demanding baristas, chefs, wellness centres, content rooms, nap spaces, doggy daycare and landlords will have to deliver.

The Brisbane office market will be redefined over the next decade with a surge in demand for eco-friendly work places that promote health and wellbeing that is being driven by a new generation of workforce.

Baristas, chefs, wellness centres, content rooms, nap spaces and doggy daycare and more will be expected by Millennial and Gen Z office workers who will are filling the gap left by retiring baby boomers and Gen Xers, according to Colliers research.

Colliers Queensland Office Leasing national director Matt Kearney said a generational change will see tenants prioritising reaching net-zero targets, driving a shift toward sustainable buildings that not only reduce carbon footprints but also improve the health and wellbeing of occupants.

“As more buildings strive for elevated green rating standards, Brisbane stands out among capital cities, with 82 per cent of CBD buildings already boasting 5-star or higher ratings, surpassing Sydney at 66 per cent and Perth at 47 per cent,” he said.

“We have also seen a surge of innovative ideas to evolve the workplace in a post-pandemic

environment including rooftop gardens, wellness centres, school holiday care programs, meditation or quiet rooms and towel and valet services on offer.

“There are also a variety of seating options on the cards, with everything from egg pods to standing desks and shared tables available for workers to choose the set-up that best suits their working style.

“And mixed-mode office allows workers to choose to work with fresh air and fans instead of air conditioning.”

Artist impression of Waterfront Brisbane development in Brisbane.

Mr Kearney said with the changing needs of future generations, new office buildings need to consider they are being designed for an audience who are currently in their teenage, or younger, years.

“So the sky’s the limit on what the changing office will incorporate. Ensuring capacity for future technology is a key factor in this space,” he said.

While many older building are adapting to the demands from Millennials and Gen Zs, there is a raft of newer ones firmly in step.

Mirvac’s Heritage Lanes, Suncorp Group’s flagship Brisbane HQ, last year became the first in the world to achieve a 6-Star Buildings certified rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.

While Cbus owned 30-level A-grade commercial tower, with premium-grade services at 205 North Quay will be completed by the end of 2024 and will feature a wellness floor – including a 25m lap pool – and a 18m open-air public plaza at ground level with retail offerings, signature dining experiences and an auditorium.

Aligning with the ‘Buildings That Breathe’ strategy in Brisbane City Council’s New World City design guide, every level of the office tower will have open-air terraces, providing extensive access to natural light, protective sun shading and increased fresh air for the anchor tenant – the Federal Government agency Services Australia.

Dexus’ $2.5bn city-shaping development Waterfront Brisbane will not only be playing a part in the transformation of the CBD, but also responds to the requirements of progressive organisations where a growing workforce of Millennials and Gen Z’s are driving massive change in the way we work.

Construction is well underway and the fully integrated precinct, incorporating a hectare of outdoor spaces, two office towers, 7000sqm of signature food and beverages and convenience retail, health and wellness centre.

Inside the new Suncorp headquarters.

Colliers Queensland national director Tenant Advisory Martin Blaszczyk said there was a renewed emphasis on enhancing office spaces to make the return to in-person work more appealing post-pandemic.

“Buildings that provide an experience are better positioned to make the return to work more attractive and convenient to workers,” he said.

“We have seen an enhancement in service offerings provided by landlords including wellness areas, social media content rooms and even offering a dog friendly workplace.

“The workplace could soon see wellness centres with infra-red saunas and ice baths, on-site chefs to prepare healthy meals, dog daycare and in-house sporting facilities.

“The flight to experience is real, and occupiers are increasingly relocating to buildings that cater for the increasing demands of their employees.”

According to the Department of State Development and Infrastructure over the next decade, population growth in Queensland will comprise 30 per cent from natural growth, with 30 per cent growth from internal arrivals and 40 per cent from international migration.

Colliers Queensland Senior Manager Research Pragya Sharma said Queensland’s significant population growth which will lead to evolving demographics would shape the future composition of the workforce, influencing the dynamics of the office market.

“We expect this will cause significant changes to the workforce, with a rising number of mature age workers, which could lead to a retirement surge and skill shortage, as well as robust growth in the 15-25 age bracket propelled by young migrants.

“This alone will cause a substantial transformation of the workforce as we know it, with resourcing strategies needing to adapt.”

“Millennials and Gen Z are notable for their high engagement around climate change, emphasising sustainability. This is expected to drive a surge in demand for eco-friendly office spaces.”