What do Gen Z and Millennials Want from the Modern Workplace?

Gen Z and millennials now make up nearly half of the full-time workforce. To attract and retain the next generation of organizational leaders, employers need to understand what younger workers want from their workplace. And, most importantly, what actions to take. From fun workplace perks to fundamental workplace values, Social Pantry is committed to making a positive impact within and beyond your workplace. We’re all about enhancing the employee experience with actions anchored by sustainable principles and practices. We’ve pulled together the findings on what the next generation want from their workplace. With practical suggestions and advice to optimise for sustainable success. 

Gen Z and Millennials are the main drivers of change in today’s workplace. Having grown up with smartphones and social media in a more connected and globally-minded world, they are switched on to the causes that matter to them. Get Z and Millenials are activist generations united by common causes and issues. They are no strangers to using their voice. This generation also has a more discerning eye and will see through unsubstantiated claims or commitments. Because they know what action looks like and the power of individuals and companies to take meaningful actions.

Integrate environmental and social sustainability initiatives in the workplace

Integrating environmental programs and social sustainability initiatives into your workplace can set you apart from competitors. Social Pantry is proud to be a QMS certified ISO 14001 organisation meeting the internationally agreed standard for an environmental management plan. To achieve this, we implement hundreds of small but effective measures to green our operations. Such as boycotting unethical or unsustainable brands. Instead, working with sustainable, regenerative, do-gooders that put people and planet first. Operating a zero-waste kitchen and partnering with food-waste organisation OLIO to make food donations. Cutting our carbon emissions by 75% by switching to electric vans.

Involve Gen Z and Millenial employees every step of the way

We involve our employees every step of the way. And extend this offer to your employees too. Giving them a voice and providing opportunities to become more eco-literate and understand what they can do to help. This is more important to Millennials and Gen Z than any generation before. Bespoke catering means we cater to what you – and they – care about. Locally-sourced food? Plant-based focus? A philanthropic partnership? No problem. 

Come along for the ride

Social Pantry provides workplace clients with a sustainability roadmap and invites clients along for the journey. We give the managers and culture builders at your workplace the chance to sit back and enjoy the ride, safe in the knowledge that by choosing Social Pantry, we’ll be moving them towards their ESG goals. Or we invite them to take the wheel. Whatever your company is looking to achieve by working with us, you can bet we’ll care as much as you do. And have creative solutions that make sense – socially, environmentally and of course financially – for your business as a whole. 

Be accountable

And you bet you’ll be first to know when we reach our targets and meet yours. We believe in transparency and accountability. And we’re using the latest technology to provide high quality data and keep you connected. QR codes and traceability to the individual farm, boat or animal are just some of the ways we make this a reality. You’ll get regular updates and all the information to know you’re making a difference. 

Millennials and Gen Z have a strong desire to be highly engaged by what they do. They want to feel personally valued and recognised as an individual. Research suggests Gen Z workers and their bosses place different values on work as part of their identities. 86% bosses say that work is a significant part of their identity, versus 61% of Gen Z. Gen Z place a high value on individual identity and want to be able to express this at work, without work subsuming their identity. Employers know that strong positive identification with work helps ensure people remain productive, committed, passionate about and connected to their roles.

The challenge is to bridge the gap by giving Gen Z and millennials opportunities to express and evolve their personal identity through work. Gen Z and millennials want support maintaining a positive work-life balance and sense of wellbeing, not by working less or disengaging from work. Rather, they want to find more meaning within work. By feeling personally valued and rewarded. And being part of a team.

Feed a culture of connection

At Social Pantry, we help workplaces create a culture of connection. We believe good workplace food feeds a wider company culture and positively impacts business far beyond the lunch break. It’s where conversations start and teams become closer. And coming together means more to everyone than just a tasty perk on office days. It’s more collaborative, more inclusive, more socially responsible. It’s more sustainable, more mindful. Altogether, more connected. 

Individuality matters to Gen Z and Millenials

Food plays an important part in personal identity. Having choice and autonomy and feeling good about what and how we eat matters for wellbeing. Catering to different dietary requirements, incorporating different cultures and recognising the plethora of food-related celebrations throughout the year, all whilst balancing the books and keeping logistics water-tight, is a big responsibility for the office Culture Builder on top of all their other work commitments! Our goal as a workplace caterer is take tasks off your to-do list. Putting suggestions on the table and bringing your ideas to life whilst taking care of all the details. 

Act with integrity

Social Pantry has been offering zero-waste and plant-focused menus since long before those terms became buzzwords. We operate a zero-waste kitchen by default, working exclusively with high-welfare, environmentally sustainable and socially responsible suppliers, so that your employees can feel good about what they’re eating. And proud to be part of a company with integrity, that upholds these values in what it does internally, as well as externally. 

Bring people together

Research has revealed that the more often people eat with others the more likely they are to feel happy and satisfied with their lives. And this is no exception at work. Shared meals strengthen a team by fostering connection and community, celebrating diversity, embedding rituals and deepening conversation. So we set the scene and lay the table to do just that. 

Celebrate the special moments at your workplace

Delicious, nutritious, varied food on the daily is our bread and butter. But marking special occasions, celebrating achievements, and offering fun workplace food perks ensures employees feel recognised and rewarded. From a gourmet breakfast buffet for the team that is always starting early to accommodate international client time zones, to a pop-up ice cream Scoop Shop to reward and motivate employees during the summer months. Instagram-worthy celebration cakes every millennial and Gen Z employee will want a snap of as well as a slice. To in-office Iftar meals during Ramadan to cater to the needs of anyone observing whilst getting the whole community involved in the festivities. With years of events experience in our wider business, we are seasoned pros when it comes to thinking outside the box and delivering one-off experiences to remember. 

If these findings have given you food for thought, talk to our team today! Our workplace partners are dedicated to helping you get what you need out of workplace catering. We cater to what you care about – you just need to tell us!