Take a look around your office … has it changed over the last few years? Has the technology at your workstation become faster, more seamless, and expanded into new areas within your office space? Have you noticed the disappearance of cubicles and offices in favor of more open and airy places to set down your computer while you work? Chances are, you’ve probably seen some new and transformative things happening where you spend your work day, and I’ll tell you right now, it’s not by mistake … it’s by design.
Make Way For The Next Generation
By the year 2020, millennials will make up 40-50% of the working population. And this next generation of employees has a brand spanking new set of values and priorities in their life. They prioritize family, community and creativity, in that order. So how does that translate into the way they work?
Brand, Space, Growth
Today’s workforce is passionate about companies with a strong brand and sparkling reputation. We have all heard stories about Google, Facebook and other firms that offer free food, laundry services, bike shops and volunteer opportunities. Millennials will be the first generation to truly break away from the traditional 9-5 work day. They’ve grown up with technology and to them, work-life balance means having a workplace where they can come and work, but can also integrate their life. Many companies have responded to this by modifying their work environment to mirror home life. Offices are adding health clubs, pantries stocked with food, couches and soft lighting to mimic our homes.
Younger employees also crave collaboration, a sense of community, and flexibility in their work environment. With swift changes in technology, sharing information is easier today than ever before, and workspaces must support this shift in how people work. Pods, impromptu meeting areas, huddle rooms, and furniture that can easily and quickly adjust to accommodate larger groups of people are must-haves in today’s work environment.
Creativity and room for growth are also high priorities for millennials. We are all witnessing the evolution of the business center industry around the world. And with it, centers are building visually appealing and stimulating environments for young employees to feel inspired. Living green walls, bright colors, kitchy details and new types of lighting are being assimilated into existing workplaces to encourage new ideas and conversations. And along with the physical evolution of our office spaces, the technology to support this new way of working is also simultaneously being integrated into our work environments.
What do you think? Are you ready for the new way to work? Leave a comment below.