Hitch a ride in Jodi Williams‘ carpool as she takes us through what Gen Alpha really wants from their future workplace.
This month, as we explore the workplace needs of Gen Alpha (born between 2010 and 2025), I went straight to the source. My research? A round of “Carpool Questions” with my sixth-grade daughter and her friends (born in 2012-13). Their answers were surprising, insightful, and at times, downright entertaining.
Early Dreams and Aspirations
When I first asked my daughter what she wanted to be when she grew up, her answers were delightfully ambitious—doctor, princess, mommy, and my personal favorite, a giraffe. (Who knows? Maybe human-to-giraffe metamorphosis will be possible someday!)
These days, her career aspirations have shifted toward becoming a designer—not too surprising, given my background in urban planning and workplace strategy. She’s always loved visiting the Arcadis office, drawn to its vibrant, creative environment with writable walls, giant spools of paper for coloring, whiteboards, a materials library filled with colorful samples and a mix of formal and informal workspaces for different tasks.
When I asked her friends about their future careers, their answers were refreshingly diverse but largely steered away from office-based roles—realtor, doctor, pediatrician, professional soccer player. It was clear that their vision of the workplace wasn’t tied to the traditional office environment.
The Workspace of the Future
When I asked what kind of space they’d need to do their jobs, the kids got specific. My daughter imagined a room with a big table for spreading out her designs, chairs for relaxing, and a couch for meeting with people. Her future doctor friends described spaces with desks, private areas for patients and plenty of drawers for files (really?!!!).
The concept of flexibility came up again when I asked if they’d prefer working in the same space every day or switching it up. My daughter envisions moving between spaces, explaining, “You can really work from anywhere if you want to be an architect.”
The Hybrid Work Model: Even Kids See the Appeal
When I asked whether they’d prefer to work at home, in an office, or somewhere else, the kids generally leaned toward a hybrid model. My daughter explained her vision:
“I think I will work at home part-time so I can relax, have my own space, and grab snacks whenever I need to. And I will work in the office part-time because I have a nice office, and people can visit me if they need help.”
Her friends shared a similar preference for flexibility, tailoring their visions to their imagined careers. Future doctors like Emily and Josie, for example, envisioned working in two spaces—one for seeing patients and another for “doing other work stuff.”
A Colorful and Friendly Workplaces
When I asked the girls what kind of office spaces they’d like to work in, their answers focused more on atmosphere than specific layouts or designs. One replied that “in the future, offices will be really colorful and not plain and boring. They should be friendly and allow pets!”. This sentiment lined up with what I’ve observed in my daughter’s preferences. Her ideal workspace isn’t just functional—it’s welcoming, creative, and, well, fun.
Technology: A Surprisingly Minimal Role
Technology was perhaps the most surprising part of our conversation. I expected Gen Alpha—kids who’ve grown up with iPads in hand—to dream up futuristic workplaces filled with high-tech gadgets. But that wasn’t the case.
“I think I will use a computer and an iPad in my room and maybe some sort of drawing device. I’m probably not going to have a lot of big monitors on the walls because they look ugly when they’re off, and when they’re on, they use a whole lot of energy.”
All the girls shared this perspective. They love their iPads but don’t see a need for overly complex tech setups. In fact, big screens and high-tech offices seemed more like a distraction than a benefit.
Sustainability: A Priority for Gen Alpha
When asked if their offices would be sustainable, the answer was a resounding yes. My daughter was adamant about creating a green office that wouldn’t harm the environment, emphasizing solar panels, daylight for lighting and writing by hand to reduce screen time.
Her friends echoed similar ideas, making it clear that sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for this generation—it’s an expectation.
Appealing to the Senses
Finally, I asked how their ideal offices would appeal to the five senses. My daughter painted a vivid picture:
“My office would be very bright and colorful. It would have lots of textures to touch, like a fluffy carpet and wood desks. It would smell like the forest right after it rains—so fresh. And there would be snacks and water so no one gets hungry or thirsty.”
For Gen Alpha, the workplace isn’t just about function—it’s about creating an environment that feels good on every level.
What I Learned
I went into this exercise expecting to hear about futuristic, tech-filled offices straight out of a sci-fi movie. Instead, I heard about workspaces that are homey, sustainable and thoughtfully designed. Gen Alpha isn’t looking for flashy gadgets or sterile environments—they want comfort, creativity and balance.
This generation has grown up in a fast-paced, tech-heavy world, yet their vision of the future workplace is surprisingly grounded. They prioritize flexibility, sustainability and human connection, all within spaces that feel personal and inviting.
I’m curious to see how their perspectives evolve as they grow and experience more of the world. But for now, I’m inspired by their thoughtful ideas and eager to see what this strong, fun and forward-thinking generation brings to the workplace—and the world.
