Green Offices Boost Gen Z Motivation, Focus, and Loyalty, Finds LJ University Study in Ahmedabad and Hyderabad
A workplace designed around natural light, indoor greenery, and sustainable materials can make employees more focused, more motivated, and more loyal to their organizations, according to new research by Akash Solanki, Dhara Veervani, and Jignesh Vidani of LJ University in Ahmedabad, India. Published in 2025 in the International Journal of Integrative Research (IJIR), the study examined how Generation Z perceives eco-friendly office designs and how these perceptions relate to workplace motivation, productivity, and organizational commitment. The findings matter because Gen Z is rapidly becoming a core segment of the workforce, and employers are under growing pressure to create workplaces that are both environmentally responsible and supportive of employee well-being.
Across many industries, office design has shifted from being purely functional to being strategically aligned with sustainability and mental health. Companies are investing in biophilic design, which brings elements of nature—such as plants, natural ventilation, and sunlight—into indoor environments. This trend is particularly relevant in fast-growing urban centers like Ahmedabad and Hyderabad, where employees often work in dense, enclosed office spaces with limited access to natural surroundings. At the same time, Gen Z workers tend to prioritize environmental values more strongly than previous generations, making sustainability an increasingly important factor in their career choices. The LJ University research explores whether green office environments actually influence how young employees feel and perform at work.
To gather evidence, the research team conducted an online survey using a structured questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. The study included 175 respondents from Ahmedabad and Hyderabad, representing students, private-sector employees, government workers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and homemakers. More than 82 percent of participants were between 18 and 25 years old, ensuring that Gen Z perspectives were central to the analysis. Respondents were asked to evaluate ten aspects of eco-friendly office design, including natural lighting, green spaces, waste reduction programs, energy-efficient systems, and the use of recycled or sustainable materials. The data were analyzed using SPSS and Excel, and the survey demonstrated high reliability, indicating that responses were consistent and credible.
The results show clear support for green office design. A strong majority of respondents believe that environmentally friendly workplaces improve motivation and well-being. Natural light emerged as one of the most valued features, with many participants reporting that sunlight makes them feel more productive, less stressed, and more mentally comfortable during the workday. Indoor plants and green areas were also widely seen as beneficial, creating a calmer and more pleasant atmosphere that encourages enthusiasm and engagement. In addition, employees expressed a greater sense of environmental responsibility when their workplace actively promoted recycling, energy efficiency, and sustainable materials.
The study highlights several key findings:
-More than 85 percent of respondents agreed that eco-friendly offices increase their motivation to work.
-Nearly 79 percent said that access to natural light improves their productivity and mental well-being.
-Over 82 percent felt more inspired and positive when their workplace included plants or green spaces.
-Many respondents indicated that they would be more likely to stay with a company that prioritizes sustainability in its physical workspace.
However, the research also reveals that not all perceptions are the same across age groups. While attitudes toward environmental responsibility and general workplace motivation were relatively similar among respondents, three factors showed a significant relationship with age: the perceived impact of natural light on job performance, the ease of concentration in sustainable office environments, and satisfaction with eco-friendly materials. Younger participants tended to place greater importance on these elements compared to older respondents in the sample, suggesting that companies may need tailored approaches when designing workplaces for diverse age groups.
Beyond individual comfort, the study finds that green office design can strengthen organizational loyalty. Employees working in sustainability-focused environments reported feeling more engaged, more connected to their company, and more committed to staying long-term. In today’s competitive labor market, where talent retention is a major challenge, this connection between sustainability and loyalty has practical business value. Companies that visibly integrate environmental values into their workspace may gain an advantage in attracting and retaining young professionals who care about social and ecological impact.
The broader implications of the research extend beyond office aesthetics. Sustainable workplace design can reduce stress, support mental health, and encourage pro-environmental behavior that may carry over into employees’ personal lives. By normalizing environmentally responsible practices at work—such as recycling, energy conservation, and mindful resource use—organizations can contribute to a wider cultural shift toward sustainability.
As the authors from LJ University note, “Sustainable office design should be viewed as a strategic investment rather than an additional cost, because it benefits both the organization and its employees.” This perspective suggests that green design is not just about reducing carbon footprints, but also about creating healthier, more productive, and more engaged workplaces.
The study also identifies several directions for future research. The authors recommend expanding the sample to include a wider range of ages, professions, and cultural backgrounds to better understand how different groups perceive eco-friendly design. They also suggest incorporating objective performance data—such as productivity metrics, absenteeism rates, or physiological stress indicators—to complement self-reported survey responses. Long-term studies could track how employee well-being and motivation change over time as organizations adopt sustainable design features.
Additionally, the researchers highlight the need to examine how sustainability principles apply to hybrid and remote work environments, which have become more common since the COVID-19 pandemic. Questions remain about how decentralized work models can maintain environmental responsibility and whether home office setups should also incorporate green design elements.
From a business perspective, future studies could analyze the financial impact of sustainable office investments, including energy savings, reduced employee turnover, and improved productivity. Quantifying these benefits would help companies better justify spending on eco-friendly infrastructure.
Author Profiles
Akash Solanki, MBA — Researcher and management scholar at LJ University, Ahmedabad, specializing in organizational behavior, workplace sustainability, and employee motivation.
Dhara Veervani, PhD — Faculty member at LJ University with expertise in human resource management and organizational psychology.
Jignesh Vidani, PhD — Professor at LJ University, recognized for his work in marketing, consumer behavior, and sustainable management practices.
Source
Solanki, A., Veervani, D., & Vidani, J. (2025). To Study Gen Z’s Perception of Eco-Friendly Office Designs and Workplace Motivation in Ahmedabad and Hyderabad. International Journal of Integrative Research (IJIR), 4(1), 1005–1024. https://doi.org/10.59890/ijir.v4i1.129
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