A viral TikTok video in Kenya this March tells the story of a Gen Z intern who turned down an opportunity at the Lands Ministry because the office wasn’t “aesthetically pleasing”.
While this may be easy to laugh off, it raises an important question: Does office design matter more than we think in talent attraction and retention?
We spend 87 percent of our lives inside buildings. That’s almost our entire waking life. So, how these spaces are designed isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about how we feel, think, and perform at work.
Well-designed spaces don’t just look good; they reduce stress, boost productivity, and even improve employee well-being.
Lighting, spacing, acoustics, air quality, and even the colours on the walls affect how we think and feel. So, as we rethink the modern workplace, the key question is: Are we designing for people — or just for efficiency?
Gone are the days of dull office environments. Today’s workspaces are designed to be engaging, interactive, and even playful.
Take Microsoft’s offices — known for their bold colours, gaming areas, and creative breakout spaces. The company creates experience-driven environments, blending futuristic technology with relaxation zones to foster innovation.
Similarly, Google has taken office design to another level. Its global offices are tailored to fit the culture and environment of each location. For example, Google Africa in Nairobi incorporates local art, furniture, and Swahili-inspired aesthetics to reflect the region’s identity.
This approach isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about making employees feel connected to their workplace, culture, and company values.
This shift reflects a broader trend: companies are rethinking how workplaces impact productivity, creativity, and well-being. Instead of one-size-fits-all offices, businesses are designing spaces that align with employee needs, work styles, and regional influences. But what does science say about space and productivity?
Interior designer Ilse Crawford, known for creating spaces that engage the senses, believes that design should prioritise people’s well-being. “When you prioritise human needs within a space, design can have a profound impact,” she says.
Modern offices now incorporate natural lighting, greenery, ergonomic furniture, wellness rooms and soundproof areas to enhance employee comfort. Biophilic design — bringing nature into the workplace — has gained popularity, with research showing that plants and natural elements reduce stress and boost productivity.
Designing for millennials and Gen Z
As younger employees enter the workforce, their expectations are reshaping office design. Unlike previous generations, Millennials and Gen Z value flexibility, collaboration, and mental well-being.
They prefer workspaces that feel less like corporate offices and more like inspiring environments. To attract and retain young talent, companies are investing in flexible work arrangements with hot desks, remote work options and hybrid schedules, among others.
With talent shortages in many industries, workplace design has become a key recruitment tool. Companies that offer thoughtfully designed spaces signal that they care about employee well-being and productivity.
For younger workers, an office isn’t just a place to work — it’s an experience that shapes how they feel about their job and employer. And for companies looking to attract the next generation of workers, that could make all the difference. Would an office’s design influence your decision to take a job?
The writer is a Senior HR Executive and Consultant
