It’s no secret that the workplace is changing quickly and drastically. Old ideas about careers and work environments are being cast aside for a more creative and innovative modern workplace. The emerging workforce made up of mostly young people between the ages of 20 and 35, is shifting work environments across the globe.
Thanks to technology we no longer communicate solely via email or need to have in person meetings everyday. Desires of the emerging workforce to incorporate modern technology and streamline work has a created an ever changing workplace that can be hard to keep up with sometimes. Below you’ll find some valuable ways this up and coming workforce is changing workplaces for the better.
The Millennials are Taking Over
Studies have found that by the year 2025, millennials will account for 75% of the global workforce. With more and more millennials in your office every year, it’s no wonder office cultures and environments are shifting. Millennials come to work with a different mindset than their older peers. When they step into your office they’re asking questions like: Does this company care about me as an individual? Does this company behave ethically? Do the company’s values align with my own?
Companies are now having to change the way they treat and approach their employees. Workspaces are beginning to be designed with community and collaboration in mind. Things like creativity and individuality are encouraged and rewarded. New and improved technologies are making it easier for workers to communicate and work from a variety of locations. The definition of the modern workplace has evolved from fluorescent lit cubicles, to warm and inviting open spaces with natural light.
Remote Workers In a Modern Workplace
Millennials are the most technologically literate generation that we’ve ever seen. This may be why it’s so crucial for them that they use the technology available to make their jobs easy and enjoyable. Remote work has become more mainstream and available in the past decade with better and reliable internet access. A survey by PGi found that 79% of workers work remotely at least once a week, and the majority of businesses are now combining in office and out of office work days throughout the week.
A Workforce That is More Mindful and Health Conscious
The emerging workforce is more conscious of their physical and mental health than ever before. They’re interested in how to improve their health and mindfulness, and what companies are doing to help them with this. This focus on mental and physical health is a reaction to the terrible health effects of sitting in a dark office for forty hours a week. This kind of office culture has been found to lead to high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, hypertension and heart disease.
Healthier and happy employees are more engaged and productive. Both the emerging workforce and their employers are realizing this, which is why we now see work environments conducive to a healthy lifestyle. Employees that work surrounded by elements of nature such as natural light and plants are said to have an increased sense of wellbeing and creativity. The emerging workforce has also realized the importance of personal time, and has caused a decline in the average 40 hour week along with shorter, more frequent breaks.
There’s no doubt that the upcoming workforce is having an impact on the way we think about work environments. For tips on how your office can create a modern workplace read our blog post, The Office Renaissance and How You Can Join.