Believe it or not, when it comes to their workplace, Boomers, Millennials, and Generation Xers actually have more in common than you would think.
For starters, the way the office space is designed is very important to all age groups. They all share the desire to work in a well-designed space and wish their employers would pay better attention to office design and layout. All three age groups also value having plenty of natural light in the office. And each generation believes having a comfortable break room equipped with snacks and drinks that they can retreat to during their workday is very important for them to remain productive.
In fact, the only real difference between the three generations is how they actually work in the space. Boomers and Gen Xers prefer to work in private spaces using ergonomic furniture, while Millennials prefer doing their work at standing desks or in informal lounge areas.
So how do you make them all feel comfortable in your office design? Start by creating a balance of traditional and progressive workspaces. This will allow each employee the ability to choose the work environment that works best for them. Avoid choosing an off-the-shelf design filled with rows and rows of standardized cubicles and boring furniture. Instead consider a variety of different pieces to ensure that you’re creating an environment that everyone can feel comfortable in. That means combining private workstations and formal meeting areas with more interactive and collaborative spaces. Also, make sure as you’re planning out your space that the furniture you choose enables workers to “plug into technology” wherever they are. Utilizing reconfigurable walls and workstations would also be a good idea so your company will be ready to adapt to their needs as well.