Pictured: Kimball Narrate
It’s no surprise to learn Generation Z is the social media generation. Always on and always connected. They are early adopters of start-up tech and, unlike previous generations, have not experienced an upbringing without internet technology readily available.
How does this translate into the workplace? It’s a question business need to address because, by 2020, people born after the mid-’90s will represent 20% of the workforce.
A Demand for Work-Life Balance
Generation Z is entering a burned-out workplace. Studies suggest seven in 10 Millennials experience at least some burnout at work. This trend is expected to increase as Gen Z enters the workforce. Striking a harmonious balance between work and life will be key in reducing turnover, sick leave and lack of productivity.
One way businesses are addressing the work-life balance is by introducing more “life” into the workplace. This includes incorporating a residential or cafe vibe into portions of the floorplan. When office space resembles familiar out of work environments, workers tend to feel more at “home”.
Kimball is well ahead of the curve with products that address the need for a more casual and comfortable workplace.
Xsede – Give your employees the option to select the desk height they feel more comfortable with — even if they’re working right next to each other.
Pairings – Pairings merges simple sofa/lounge collections with the more informal space where people work, team up, and gather, creating adaptable work settings that host teams and technology in comfort.
Narrate – This panel system offers end panels that can be customized. Divider walls that are more interesting than obtrusive. And the structural versatility to seamlessly accommodate any work situation from impromptu meetings to variable height desks.
JOLT – A wireless resonant charging device, JOLT can be positioned underneath any surface and enable multiple devices to be charged from one unit and at longer distances from the transmitter.
Communication Preferences
This may come as a surprise, but Generation Z prefers face-to-face communication in the workplace. Millennials pioneered many of the online communication apps we have today, but Generation Z has mastered them. So why do they prefer face-to-face communication?
Studies suggest a positive workplace experience includes socializing and interaction offline. This includes interfacing with management and leadership. It’s easy for a voice to become lost or misunderstood through online apps. When meeting in person, more information is shared through the interaction. Trust, loyalty, and friendships are formed and solidified in person.
Workplaces that acknowledge issue through collaborative spaces and team environments will attract and retain more Generation Z employees.
BOLD Office Solutions welcomes you to continue this conversation offline. Contact us for a sit-down and to share information that would help your workplace appeal to Generation Z.