Shifts in work habits and values are transforming the very function of the office. While it once served primarily as a place for individual tasks, it is now becoming a centre of collaboration, community-building, and corporate culture. “Gen Z has specific expectations—they want flexibility, inspiring environments, and a strong focus on well-being,” says Pavel Kadera, ČMN’s asset management expert. “Companies that want to remain attractive to young talent must reflect these needs in their office design.”
Offices as a Magnet for Collaboration
Although people spend less time in the office than before, their expectations for the quality of the space are rising. “Gen Z doesn’t want an office that just looks good. They want an environment that supports collaboration, focus, and offers a range of work zones,” Kadera adds.
Although people spend less time in the office than before, their expectations for the quality of the space are rising. “Gen Z doesn’t want an office that just looks good. They want an environment that supports collaboration, focus, and offers a range of work zones,” Kadera adds.
Deloitte also highlights that long working hours and lack of flexibility are among the main sources of stress for young people. The office therefore must become a place employees want to come to—not one they have to be in.
From “Gimmicks” to Spaces That Truly Work
Trends have shifted from game rooms and colorful corners to functional, well-designed environments. Today, companies most often request:
- Hybrid zones – a mix of open areas and quiet rooms
- Community spaces – shared cafés, lobbies, kitchens, and meeting hubs
- Well-being features – natural light, quality air, quiet zones, and outdoor work options
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Sustainability – greenery, energy-efficient technologies, eco-friendly materials
Up to 69% of Czech Gen Z, according to Deloitte, pay attention to their employer’s ESG policy, meaning they expect office spaces to reflect sustainability values as well.
How ČMN Responds: Flexibility, Well-Being, Sustainability, Technology
ČMN is reshaping its buildings to match how people truly work in a hybrid environment—combining flexibility, community, deep-focus areas, sustainability, and technology into one naturally functioning whole.
The first pillar is flexibility and well-being. At the Smíchov Gate building, outdoor work zones with electricity access have been created, allowing people to work in fresh air. For the young generation, this type of environment is important not only for comfort but also for recovery and achieving balance during the workday.
These flexible zones are complemented by community and social areas that support spontaneous interaction and teamwork. The lobby and cafés in the Blox and Churchill projects have become natural meeting hubs, and the same applies to the coffee corner in the Mezi Vodami building in Modřany.
ČMN also responds to the growing need for deep, uninterrupted work. Across its portfolio, it is creating quiet and private zones that enable full concentration without distractions typical of open offices. These spaces are strengthened through partnerships with leading coworking operators such as Scott.Weber and Cafedu, giving tenants an even wider selection of work settings—from calm “quiet rooms” to flexible meeting spaces—depending on what their day requires.
A key part of the modernization is also technological readiness and sustainability. ČMN’s buildings are undergoing updates that support effective hybrid meetings, stable connectivity, and digital tools. Green elements and energy-saving solutions are being implemented across the portfolio—aligned with Gen Z’s increasing focus on ESG when choosing an employer.
“Location remains crucial—but today, a good address alone is not enough,” Kadera concludes. “An office must be a place people want to come to, not where they have to be.”
With this approach, ČMN confirms its position as a landlord that not only listens to the needs of the modern workforce but actively incorporates them into its building design and tenant strategies.
With this approach, ČMN confirms its position as a landlord that not only listens to the needs of the modern workforce but actively incorporates them into its building design and tenant strategies.
