Designing a workplace to attract Millennial
When we think about any company and its vision, the first thing that connects to it is the driving force, the team that helps in running
the day to day operation/s of the company smoothly. And they are none other than the millennial’s. Companies nowadays are constantly
looking for a competitive edge and hence always on the look out to attract and retain the best of talent in the market.
Millennials always have a fresh and entrepreneurial way of functioning and contributing in a very valuable and efficient way to any
organization. And in order to attract millennials it is essential to design an office space that they would be eager to be a part of.
This has to be done keeping various factors in mind like innovative interiors, technology friendly layout, breakout zones, etc.
Competition is very ferocious when it comes to discovering the best talent and ensuring to hold on to the same in the long run.
Millennials also known as the country’s ‘Future Leaders’ are now insisting to work in a professional environment that is super
convenient and at the same time well equipped with the latest technological advancements. Therefore, as an employer, it is one of
the most crucial task to ensure the best infrastructure and amenities is provided to get the maximum productivity from their employees
in return.
Alluring facilities
In case of facilities just having a striking first impression would not help. The entire office layout and space should be planned and
designed in a manner that would help excite and engage the required talent. Having dull office furniture, traditional work stations and
closed in interiors; this would result in disinterest of employees leading to decrease in productivity. Companies like Google and Facebook
are known for their physical appearance and every employee aspires to work in companies like these. This is mainly because most of your
life is spent working and you need to be content with the environment where you are investing most of your time in. In addition,
employees today anticipate comforts like on-site cafes, on-site gyms, recreational centres, etc. For instance, you can always install
smart boards/ screens, Wi-fi access or movable work stations for your employees and their welfare.
Technologically Updated
Integrating the latest technology into business is essentially very significant as it helps in various ways to advance communication in
any workplace. Technological advancements today has enabled workers to converse instantly and thus improving on their productivity within
the company. Incorporating advanced technology into business helps to improve on communication between clients and business-partners since
information can easily be exchanged through different communication platforms and faster than ever before. Also, though technology is
advancing alot of activities within any organization, it is very important to monitor its usage amongst employees because if not utilized
appropriately it might lead to decrease in productivity within the company as well. Therefore, it is necessary to provide the right
technology to excite and gear up this generation.
Combining Business with contentment
Research shows millennials undergo the maximum stress levels of all generations. Employers are bound to design an atmosphere that persuades
daily interaction and time outs which would help in reducing stress levels. Moreover work pressure is something that is becoming very
common these days and helping employees dealing with the same in an efficient manner is important to successfully advance productivity
and focus. This implies that employers have to think above setting standard activities and incorporate innovative ways to deploy ways
for employee recreation. An effective breakout space can improve creativity and also provide employees a chance to move away from their
desks and socialize as well.
Work Space Flexibility
Nowadays workplaces are being designed in such a way that it best suits the company’s requirement. By picking the right office furniture and
flexible design, it will be very convenient for employees to work proficiently. A well-designed office place is one where changes can be
made effortlessly according to the task at hand. Flexible layouts are cost effective and ensure comfort to companies who need to stay
agile as they grow and expand themselves.
Millennials are a generation that search for communication, flexibility and a choice on how they work. A spot on office design can offer
them exactly what they wish for. An office space should allow communication and productivity to occur at the same time. An open plan or
flexible office space helps by giving employees the chance to freely engage and socialize with fellow team members or colleagues. For a
generation that prioritizes every task and keeps communication above all, a layout like this would be very helpful in nurturing skills
and maximizing productivity.
Health Ergonomics
Every individual in today’s world wants to live a healthy lifestyle and look out for companies that encourage the same and that cater to
this need. They yearn for an employer that values health and encourages the right balance between work and life. There have been relatively
few studies done that have concentrated on the correlation between the physical workplace design and mental health. Trendy offices offer
plenty of space for employees. Part of building a healthier work environment involves rethinking the physical work surroundings. It is
important that employees do not feel trapped at their desks. Instead, companies must start to promote onsite gyms, walking meetings, as
well as standing desks. Millennials desire an environment that is both comfortable and at the same time takes care of their physical well
being in certain ways. Hence factors like view to nature and daylight, using varied shades of colors, adequate greenery, etc contribute
to employee well being, in turn attracting millennial to work in a space that is suitable in terms of their health goals as well.
Effective Break Out Zones
Creating spaces that would help employees distress and take a break from their feeling of ‘being at work’ would result in employee
contentment as well as satisfaction. The aim is to provide easy access to places millennials would typically go to zone out from the
hectic work environment. Break out areas are mainly for providing a space where employees can go and have some time away from their
screen or the stress of every day working life. They can also be used for spur of the moment meet-ups with fellow workers or informal
meetings with clients. While it is not necessary that every office would have the provision to support non standardized designs , the
benefit in the long run would for sure result in higher productivity and overall workplace satisfaction, if used efficiently.
Including Creative and Goal oriented Visuals
Having creative aesthetics to excite the brain and foster creativity as well as productivity can range from wall frames, portraits,
influencing quote frames funky yet functional furniture throughout the office space. Artwork, pops of colour and unique elements can
make the specific areas look and feel enlightened and bright. This not only keeps the space look lively but also induces an enthusiastic
vibe throughout the office space helping employees to stay active and happy.
Studying all the above factors carefully, we can conclude that workspaces must meet the needs of the millennial generation as they shall
continue to be the largest inhabitants in the workforce for the next decade. Employers who fail to align corporate office spaces with the
requirements of employees could potentially have noteworthy distrustful effects on a company’s revenue and profit over time.