Weigh In: Does Generation Y Want a New Work Environment?
October 29th, 2008 by 
beafields According to everything we are hearing, this question is a no-brainer. But…I am someone who does not want to assume something that is not true.
So, I went to my Gen Y recruiting guru, Ryan Coleman to get some feedback on this question, and here is what he had to say:
Does Gen Y care about design and its impact on their lives, or is the physical workspace not important?
Ryan:
I have been looking deeper into horizontal segmentation. With this approach, there is no hierarchy when it comes to different kinds of workplaces. All workplaces exist on a horizontal plane. Meaning, there are no good workplaces, bad workplaces, perfect workplaces or imperfect workplaces. At the end of the day, there are only different kinds of workplaces that suit different kinds of people.
In the theory of horizontal segmentation, every employee reaches maximum potential in different environments that are unique to them. If employers would create options rather than rigid boxes that employees must perform in… organically people can create workspaces that are unique to their style that will maximize their output. Is it open tables? Is is collaboration rooms? Is it where noise and space create stimuli to move forward, is it quarantined rooms where people need dead silence? Is it social conversation that make the world turn. You see this in college campuses. Some people study very well in libraries, some in cafeterias, some in bookstores, some in Panera Breads, some in cluttered dorm rooms, some in relaxed garbs. You can not tell me that every lawyer functions to their maximum capacity in dark rooms, surrounded by mahogany desk and shelves. YES DESIGN IS IMPORTANT.
Two Companies Who “Get It”
Honest Tea and their CEO, Seth Goldman
You should see their new space! Helps with recruiting, productivity, makes people smile.
Blue Sky Factory
Click office tour on the right
Here is a $10million dollar business making the moves required to be successful. I do some work with them and even considered working for them. Fun, professional, creative and relax workplace. With software as a service, why not have a relaxed feel?
I would like to hear your thoughts on the question: Does Generation Y want a new work environment? And…if so, what does that look like? We would like to hear not only about the physical space but about the culture. What does it really look like and feel like?
Posted in Career | 
October 29th, 2008 at 6:34 am
Ryan has the right idea here. We all have our own preferences and quirks. I’m one of those people that generally need some noise and activity around me to get things done. My one condition is that that noise and activity can’t actively concern me. Someone trying to talk to me, or interrupting me every few minutes will ruin my focus. But a restaurant or coffee-shop feel to the atmosphere, or relatively loud music, or lots of conversation are great for me.
The simple answer is Yes. We do want a new work environment. But the new environment we want is the flexibility to be comfortable and be ourselves and get things done.
October 29th, 2008 at 9:38 am
I think it goes beyond the atmosphere and into the culture. Essentially the culture creates the atmosphere. At Endagon Innovations, we have an open floor, open door and open phone policy. We also have all of our employees buy into our beliefs and culture. Having everyone on board and focused on the big picture mission help us get things accomplished much more efficiently.
When you create a culture that your team members believe in, it makes the environment you work in levels better. If I believe in the culture I don’t mind wearing the suit, because I understand why I am wearing it as opposed to that’s the rule and you need to live by it.
The time for excuses are over. Companies need to realize that the future of business lies in trust and communication.
October 29th, 2008 at 10:30 am
I think Ryan really nailed it here - we all work best in different atmospheres. I love his college analogy (one that I’ve used before myself). Some people work best at 2 am in front of the TV with a box of pizza, while others do their best in a quite library in the afternoon. To each their own!
- Chris
October 29th, 2008 at 11:59 am
I agree that it depends on individual preferences. Everyone at my place of employement has their own office. So, while our creative director likes to blast his hippie music, I have my own office where I can work in quiet. There is also a common space with comfy chairs which is great for internal meetings, brainstorms and socializing. Creating a corporate culture that fits individual needs and working styles is key!
November 6th, 2008 at 12:34 am
Agree with all thats been said. It’s not reallyt about Gen X,Y or Z….. it’s about creating an environment with a variety of settings/styles to suit the type of activity being done and then letting people choose. Not only do you create better workplaces that way that let people do theoir best work, but you also make much better use of very poorly used space. Most desks in a traditional office are only used 50% of the time they are available.
If you are interested in more stuff on the Workplace have a look at http://www.workplacetv.com