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It’s 2020 – What are you doing to embrace the most agile working generation yet?

HomeResourcesBlogIt’s 2020 – What are you doing to embrace the most agile working generation yet?
agile working

Older generations frequently criticize young people for solely communicating through their phones – but it turns out they couldn’t be more wrong and whatever your age, that has serious implications for the space where your work.

Right now, more than 60 million members of Generation Z – the first fully- digital generation – are swarming workplaces all over the world.

They’re not latecomers to the digital party, like countless workers; and they are even more used to frequent connectivity than Millennials.

But when it comes to work, there are a few differences – and surprisingly, one of those is that Gen-Zers feel a greater need for face-to face communications.

In fact, 90% of these young people say they want some type of human communication during the work day, according to Forbes.

So as your developing workplace stretches once again to accommodate another generation with its own needs, there are 4 things you need to
consider.

* Discover more about Gen-Zers want at work.

1. Digital time out.

Can even the most tech-savvy of workers feel workplace burnout? Of course – especially the young generations who are accustomed to the always-on life.

Your workspace scheduling technology should allow remote working so they can step back from time to time – but always feel that support is available when they need it.

* Discover how the workplace is changing.

2. Feeding time.

No, not organic snacks (although that’s not a bad idea…) The nourishment we’re referring to is feedback; something that
is often sadly lacking in any office.

Use the easy, seamless communications provided by your workspace system to keep in touch, to provide encouragement, support and the opportunity for improvement.

3. Face time.

Most generations regard video conferencing as a plus; it cuts down on travel time with the associated stress.

Gen-Zers appreciate the face time, rather than an audio call, and will feel more supported in this visual environment.

So, it’s important to make sure this valuable tool is easily accessible to all.

Regardless of being useful, research shows that employees of all age groups will shy away from setting up a video conference if it’s difficult to organize – this can particularly be the case in multi-location organizations.

Give your Gen-Z employees and their co-workers an easy way to video collaboration with workspace scheduling technology that finds and books
space in all relevant locations, and keeps all delegates informed.

Did you know:

60% of Gen-Zers say they would like their boss to check in frequently throughout the day, even when the news is bad – they are the generation that sees failure in the most positive light, with eight out of ten considering it as a chance to get better.

In other words, they are giving well-engaged managers an unmatched opportunity to expand efficiency in a young staff.

4. Together time.

It’s sad to report that today’s open plan workplace can actually lead to loneliness as the environment isolates rather than engages – see our previous study.

Gen Z are prone to this, as are most generations; your oldest employees may feel a lack of privacy while making phone calls, while the younger ones can feel they are under the same kind of scrutiny that can make social media a problem to them.

The answer is to create a working environment that offers as many choices as possible, to allow each employee to create a tailored workplace that promotes their best work.

We’re seeing hyper-personalization as a growing trend in many areas of our lives – eating out, for instance, and retail. For young workers, it’s a given.

So allow them to personalize their work environment in a way that makes them relaxed and productive.

Give them workspace scheduling technology that allows them to stipulate a quiet spot, or a casual one, or even a warm place to sit; help them to meet in ways that ignites collaboration – whether that’s a bean-bag area, a comfortable sofa or a formal room with presentation facilities.

But will other generations be left out?

That’s not something you need to worry about. While each generation is unique, you are not taking resources away – simply adding to the choice available.

That can’t be bad.

Gen Z may be very young, and they may be new to our offices, but we can learn from them – and their desired ways of working may be beneficial to everyone.

* Learn more about altering your office for worker wellbeing: