Gen Z workers revive analog tools to personalize modern offices

In the midst of a corporate push toward AI-driven automation, the newest generation of office workers is embracing analog supplies like premium notebooks, colorful leather desk pads and Post-it notes to carve out a personal niche at their desks. Human-resources professional Jessie Lei highlighted how free sticky notes aid his meeting notes and serve as mini sketchbooks, while he finds handwriting improves focus. A Quill survey revealed that 94% of Gen Z and millennial employees prefer the satisfaction of checking a paper to-do list, and more than half would rather leave a physical note than send a digital message, reflecting growing digital fatigue.

Retailers report rising demand for upscale stationery, with nearly a quarter of respondents saying such items boost motivation comparable to high-end tech upgrades. Workers like Calvin Lee at Crunchyroll stress that a permanent, decorated desk makes return-to-office mandates more acceptable, showcasing a broader trend toward making workspaces feel permanent and individualized.