Millennials and Generation Z have been large influencers of change in workspace structures. From activity-based work to having more control over when, where and how to get work done, companies are taking note and making changes to office space. While the reasons we go to work haven’t changed—it’s where we collaborate, strategize and grow—the way in which we get these things done has changed.
While Baby Boomers may have set goals to stick with a company for 10, 15 or 20 years and retire with a solid pension, the fact is, the median job tenure in the U.S. is now hovering right around four years for both men and women. That average tenure lessens significantly when the employees are younger (just 2.8 years for those between the ages of 25 and 34).
Workplace values, benefits and general office structures have an impact on this shift in job tenure. And with Millennials making up half of the American workforce this year, companies will want to remain mindful of what the dominate generations are looking for in the workplace.
Some may think that all it takes are fun job environments, comfy chairs and a pool table to make the new generation of workers stay, but that’s not the case. Millennials and Gen Z, though both the youngest in the workforce, have varying needs in the workplace. Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) for instance, put high value on work-from-home and remote work policies (nearly 75 percent, according to Deloitte), while Gen Z (those born after 1997) craves in-person collaboration and on-site work options.
When everyone is looking for something different, what are companies to do? How can you set your office up for success to meet the needs of all generations? Jacob Morgan told Inc. recently that it’s all about the “employee experience” whereby we “create an organization where people want to show up”. This can be your physical office space, wellness or work flexibility.
Flexibility
Generations aside, longer commute times can affect our health and well-being. Both Inc. and Science Daily have reported that workers with longer commutes have higher tendencies to be depressed, obese or even get divorced. Flexible work schedules and work options (telecommuting, satellite offices) can alleviate some of this stress and provide great opportunities for those who need a little give in their schedules. With the onset of the gig economy, Millennials especially are finding alternative work options and, thus, expect even more flexibility with schedules. While this may not be true for everyone (or large portions of your team) thinking through your work-from-home policies or flex work schedules is something to consider as we move through the next decade.
Green buildings
Gen Z (and Millennials) expect companies to be mindful of the mark they leave on the environment. When constructing your space, think diligently about environmentally friendly products, sustainability and high-performing building options. Programs such as MPCA’s Green Building Program are available to help you find creative environmental solutions to meet social needs. If you are a part of these types of programs, make those known to your employees and prospects; they want to know what your company is doing to keep our environment safe and thriving.
Variety
We recently read about a research project that compared how Gen Z utilized higher ed facilities to workplace design. An “ah-ha” for us when reading was that it makes sense for employers to look at how higher education institutions are set up as a benchmark for how Gen Z may prefer to work and learn. This generation works and studies everywhere. They use outdoor spaces for both, and they are multi-taskers in the way they combine their social lives, work and technology.
To put this into workplace practice, think about the extra areas that can be made available to your teams. For example, could you offer an outside eating option off of your cafeteria? Are there walking paths nearby that would be great for moving meetings? Your team craves the outdoors (Future Workplace reported the number-one want of North American employees is “access to natural light and views of the outdoors.”) And so, if your team members want to step out for fresh air, will they be able to access your servers or WiFi from outside the building? Do you offer quiet spaces removed from the bustle of the office for those that need to focus (Gen Z favors quiet work spots with the ability to personalize their space)?
Technology
Video meetings replacing in-person meetings. Slack channels replacing morning chats.
Technology is at the forefront of workplace configurations and this supports the notion of being adaptable to those we employ. Millennials experienced the boom of the internet while Gen Z knows nothing different than smart phones and pocket technology. Both generations hold technology in high regard as an asset to help them do their jobs effectively. As you think about your workplace set-up, consider the tech needs that may be expected. Do you have video conferencing capabilities in your meeting rooms? Do you have quick WiFi speeds? Do you have ready access to apps to make work easier (i.e. expense reimbursement)? Are there “dead zones” in the building that you may need to troubleshoot?
Teamwork
IdeaPaint reported that 74 percent of Millennials prefer to collaborate in small groups but nearly 40 percent of them are of the opinion that collaboration processes are outdated and harmful to their company’s innovation. Conversely, Gen Z is looking for a workplace that allows for them to work individually (and collaboratively) and will seek out employment that offers workplace configurations for both. Teamwork is defined differently to different people; get to know the people on your team and their preferred work styles. Take those into consideration as you map out work areas, look for additional commercial building space or think through an office redesign. What works for one may not work for all; it’s important to provide options at all levels.
Trends
Keeping up with the latest trends in workplace design, building features and HR offerings is great—and needed—but don’t let the trends take you off course. Be mindful, for instance, that Generation Z is one of the most overloaded, stressed generations—they seek stability and don’t need to be confronted with change and instability in the workplace throughout the year. Understand that Millennials want their jobs to mean something and many times it’s a gray area for them between work life and personal life. Understand the traits that make up each generation in your workforce, but don’t rely on those traits alone to guide decisions; dialog is an important part of the process.
We love this thank-you post to all generations by XYZ University. It’s a great reminder that no matter what the age, we all have valuable traits that we bring to the workplace and society. Embrace that diversity in your workforce; it will help you succeed.
At the end of the day, we must remember that our employees are people and are not only defined by their generation. As leaders, we must continue to have conversations with our teams, to ask questions and to listen to what they value from their employers. This is how we can ensure that our workspaces are set up in a way that works for them and works for business.