5 Generations, 1 Office: How to Create a Multigenerational Workplace

The modern office is a far cry from what it used to be. With up to five generations working side by side, the workplace has become an amalgamation of experience, work preferences and, let’s face it, wildly different expectations.?

Such diversity brings its own set of opportunities. But how do you balance the needs of these generations while also ensuring your office remains relevant for those to come?

We believe that by putting people first, it’s possible to create spaces that transcend generation divides - environments that encourage growth for everyone, no matter their stage in life.

Mind the Gap: Multigenerations at Work

Today's office is a crossroad of five generations, each with their own work patterns and preferences. Even within each generation, there’s considerable variation in how individuals approach work. In short, today’s workplace is as diverse as ever.?

Here’s a snapshot into the five generations currently shaping the office:

Traditionalists (Before 1946)

Strongly value stability and loyalty. Typically, these workers prefer a more hierarchical structure with face-to-face communication. They tend to have a dedicated, long-term approach to their careers.

Boomers (1947-1964)

Career-driven, this generation associates hard work with job security. Many still prefer in-person meetings and like to prioritise clear roles and expectations. With that said, Boomers are increasingly adaptable to flexible work structures as technology evolves.

Gen X (1965-1980)

Known for their independence, Gen Xers are the bridge between the traditional work methods of older generations and the tech-driven habits of Millennials. They prefer a mix of face-to-face and digital communication, placing high value on work-life balance.

Millennials (1981-1996)

Embracing technology, Millennials typically seek flexibility and purpose in their work. Many prefer collaborative environments and a focus on personal growth. As work-life balance is so important, they often favour hybrid working arrangements.

Gen Z (1997-2012)

Gen Z has grown up with constant connectivity and a preference for instantaneous communication. They value inclusivity, sustainability and wellbeing in the workplace, and are often adept at multitasking and using a wider range of digital tools

? As you’ll be aware, these definitions will not apply to every individual in these generations, but it’s a great place to start when considering your office setup.

Of course, Generation Alpha (born after 2012) will soon enter the chat. Growing up in a fully digital world, we would take an educated guess that this generation will be accustomed to smart devices, virtual collaboration, instant communication and AI. As they enter the workforce, we can expect even greater reliance on technology and a push toward further innovation in the workplace.

A recent survey by Deloitte (2024) highlighted generational attitudes toward returning to the office after COVID, with results showing that 64% of Gen Zs and 66% of Millennials work for companies that have introduced a back-to-work policy. Despite this, many still prefer hybrid work models: 35% of Gen Zs and 33% of Millennials are hybrid working.

These statistics are a great reminder that there are still common threads that unite the generations. With that said, here are some tips to bridge any gaps that may be holding your business back.

Designing a Futureproof Office for Multigenerations

In order to create a futureproof office that works for all generations, you need to put your people first. It can be difficult to cater to everyone, but that’s why we’re here to support you.

Flexibility at the Forefront

The secret to an inclusive workplace is choice. From flexible working hours to adaptable office configurations, empower your people to choose how, when and where they work best. Your office can support this by offering a mix of spaces, such as breakout areas, meeting rooms, collaborative hubs and focus zones.

Wellness as a Design Priority

With the younger generations leading the charge, designing an office to support individual mental and physical health has never been more important. Consider ergonomic furniture, biophilic design and breakout areas - features that benefit every generation. This naturally lends itself to sustainable design practices which support wellness and create a green office that resonates with values across generations.

Encourage Cross-Generational Teams

A diverse team offers fresh perspectives, skills and problem-solving abilities. You can encourage interaction through methods such as hot desking or a strategic office configuration that naturally brings generations together.

Leadership Development

Train your leaders to bridge generational differences through open communication, empathy and specific management styles. Leaders who understand the unique strengths of each generation are better equipped to unify and inspire their teams and peers.

Prioritise Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is a priority across all generations (though how it’s defined may differ). Shifting towards a hybrid work model, or even including social spaces within the office, can be a great start to bring that healthy balance back.

Tech Ready

Whilst Millennials and Gen Z may thrive with the latest tools, ensure your office doesn’t alienate less tech-confident employees. Offer training, user-friendly solutions and a balance of digital and traditional processes to keep everyone on the same page.

We're seeing more progressive employers embracing the opportunities that the office brings as a destination. It's our mission to help these businesses create engaging environments that bring teams together, celebrate diversity and make the office a place everyone wants to be.

Your Office, Built for Every Generation

If you take away anything from this article, let it be that adaptability is the cornerstone of a successful workplace. Each generation brings unique perspectives, values and needs to the table, and your office design needs to reflect that. In doing so, you’ll attract and retain top talent, giving your business a competitive edge and setting you up for long-term success.

If you need support determining the best office layout for your team, we've developed a Space Calculator that determines exactly how much space you need in your workplace.

If you need any more help navigating the future of your workplace, get in touch with the Gravity Office Interiors team. Together, we can design an office that grows with your team - one generation at a time.