What happens when four generations–Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z–all work in the same office? Clashing expectations, work styles and management preferences can hurt productivity and employee engagement. Ground zero for this battle is the physical workspace. Older generations expect quiet, private offices and traditional conference rooms. Younger generations desire game rooms, team lounges and open floor plans. Companies often end up with space designed to fit one generation’s needs, but not everyone. Can four generations find common ground in one workspace?
At Irvine Company, we design human-centric spaces that go beyond the status quo to engage all generations. As a broker, these are three design principles to help your clients understand how our workspace helps their multi-generational workforce succeed:
1. Design for flexibility.
Why this matters: Offering space for quiet, focused work is just as important as offering team breakout rooms. When employees can choose where to work, they experience a greater sense of autonomy, which in turn lowers stress levels and boosts productivity and employer satisfaction.
What we do: Our flexible floor plates allow for a variety of workplace layout options. Businesses can customize an office layout that accounts for multiple work styles.
2. Design for needs.
Why this matters: People-centric design considers how the broader workplace environment can support a variety of needs across generations. For example, convenience is paramount for older generations who feel squeezed for time between professional and personal demands. For younger generations, the workplace is becoming a social hub, and they seek opportunities to engage with coworkers.
What we do: Our workplace communities are designed to meet employees’ diverse needs. Access to on-site services, like a fitness center, help time-crunched employees maintain balance. Communal dining or after-hours events meet younger employees’ needs for social connection.
3. Design for experience.
Why this matters: Today’s technology means that teams, departments and entire companies can operate remotely. But even the best video conferencing system can’t replace what the right workplace provides: a dynamic environment for innovation, engagement and social currency.
What we do: In outdoor workspace, for example, coworkers can brainstorm over coffee, collaborate on team projects, host presentations or pitch nights, and connect at a company happy hour. This experiential environment fosters the strong bonds that are key to employee engagement and innovation across all generations.
The answer to private offices or open floors plans? The best solution might be a workplace with both, meeting the needs for all four generations. Designing for flexibility, needs and experience creates a human-centric space that drives business success for your clients.