Building Bridges: How Thoughtful Office Design Empowers a Multi-Generational Workforce?

“What is your ideal workspace?”?

Ask a billion people this question, and you will have a billion answers.?

But, in those responses, you will spot a thread of commonality- a trait that unites people from the same age group. These people are likely to have similar needs, opinions, and expectations from their workplace which will invariably differ from other generations. So, while a 50-year-old employee would like their office to have private cabins, their 25-year-old colleague could prefer a shared workspace setup.

Navigating the Contemporary Workforce Psychology

A difference of opinion about workplaces is not just superficially driven by age but also governed by the social settings and conditioning that people from a generation are brought up in. So, let’s delve into the psyche of each generation and understand how it impacts their idea of an office.?

Presently, four generations encompass the workforce. Below is a table that provides an insight into their demographic, preferences, and style of working.

Why Design Your Workspace for Every Generation?

• According to a recent study by LinkedIn, 89% of talent professionals believe that a multigenerational workforce relates to the success of a business

• 89% of respondents in a LiveCareer study viewed generation diversity as a positive workplace element.

The research facts stated above emphasise that demographic diversity is essential for achieving organizational success. People from every age bracket have something unique to offer, which is vital for staying relevant in the corporate realm. Therefore, it is important to consider the varying needs of your employees to create a thriving work environment.

How to Design an Office for a Multi-Generational Workforce?

The key to designing workspaces for accommodating multiple generations is variety. Offering a wide range of workplace experiences ensures the happiness and comfort of every employee, enabling them to achieve their highest level of productivity. Thus, organisations must mindfully curate their work environments through design interventions as described below.

Hybrid Workspace Layout

Let us paint a picture for you!

“Think of a 20-something guy in an open office layout and how he is thriving in a collaborative environment. But, sitting next to him is a 50-year-old person who is evidently uncomfortable because of the lack of privacy.”

Now, to ensure that every employee gets the work environment they desire, hybrid workspaces play a crucial role. They allow you to provide a balanced workplace incorporating focus spaces such as cabins, work pods, cubicles; and collaboration areas like cafes, co-working desks, and meeting rooms. Such a mixed layout enables people to feel in control of their work surroundings which innately enhances their comfort level.

Furnishing for Ergonomic Comfort

The human body evolves with age. So, a chair which is comfortable for a 25-year-old might not be comfortable for a 40-year-old.?

Therefore, introducing various kinds of furniture is imperative for supporting a multi-generational workforce. Making room for adjustable desks and ergonomic chairs ensures the comfort of the elder employees. Additionally, providing standing work desks and call booths helps the younger generation avoid health issues arising out of prolonged hours of sitting.?

Furthermore, workspaces can have rooms with a blend of formal discussion tables and casual seating arrangements. You can provide writable walls or boards for collaborative brainstorming sessions. This way, employees from all generations can feel comfortable and engaged during meetings.

Technology Integration

Technology is the gateway to the future of work. But, while the millennials and gen Z’s are digital natives, the same is not true for the boomers and gen X. In fact, they joined the workforce when computational technology was in its nascent stages.?

So, while technology adoption is inevitable, senior employees might feel overwhelmed and out of place in their office. Thus, organisations must recognise the varying levels of tech-savviness among different generations and impart relevant training to fill in the digitalisation gap and boost productivity.

To do so, incorporating training labs, conference rooms, and presentation areas would be ideal. Further, providing a mix of traditional and modern communication tools and signages would help to bridge the gap between those who prefer face-to-face interaction and those who like virtual engagement.?

In Conclusion

The idea of a workplace is ever-evolving with people and time. To keep up with this dynamic shift, organisations must be adept and agile in identifying and catering to the needs of their workforce. Because, at its core, the investment in multi-generational workplace design is an investment in the longevity and success of both the workforce and the organisation as a whole.

?? Written with passion by Pragya Sharma