In the modern workplace environment, it is inevitable that there are generational differences. In 2022 we can see five different generations all collaborating together to reach the company’s common goals.
But how many employers have stepped back to evaluate the needs of each of these generations? Understanding your team and their generational differences can help to boost productivity, creativity, and overall team morale. This is possible since you are taking wider factors into consideration. Discover our guide to the five generations, their differences and how Argyll can support you through this journey.
What are the different generations?
There are five different generations currently in the workplace, their ages spanning between late teens / early twenties, right through to their 70s or 80s. Each one has different needs and requirements towards office spaces, which is why it’s important to understand the generational differences.
The five generations are:
The 5 generations in the workplace & their differences
Having a multigenerational workforce can provide numerous benefits to your organisation. Each generation that comes through your doors provides their own set of strengths and weaknesses, as well as bringing new perspectives towards external factors. It is the external societal factors which are most present when looking at generational differences. For example, the silent generation are the age group which entered the workforce post World War, who didn’t depend on the technology we have today. Generation Z on the other hand, are true digital natives, they have always had access to technology. But this generation can also be described as more concerned with long-term financial health as they have experienced multiple economic crises in their lifetime. Taking the time to understand that there is no one-size fits all scenario, when evaluating generational differences, can make finding office solutions easier and more practical for your team.
Silent generation / traditionalists (Born late 1920s to 1946)
As the oldest generation in the workforce, the silent generation are promoted as hard workers with strong core values. This means when attracting and retaining this group, you might want to stress your fundamentals, as they want to feel like they have been paid for a job well done.
The ideal working environment for the silent generation is to have the opportunity to work offline with face to face interactions. Being of the age where technology may not be as familiar to them, as the younger generations, means they value the opportunity to talk in person. Having meeting rooms in your chosen work location is the ideal solution. The benefits our London meeting rooms can bring are:
– Choice of room layout (Boardroom, U-Shape, Classroom, Theatre).
– Book for an hour, half a day or a full day.
– Video-conferencing on request.
– Whiteboard & flipchart with pens and pads available.
– Fresh coffee available on request.
– Use of break-out space.
– Excellent natural light.
– Professional receptionists to great guests.
Baby boomers (Born 1947 to 1964)
Baby boomers appreciate stability and security as some of their top factors in the workplace. This stems from being told to stay at one job for a lengthy time period just like their predecessors. For this reason they don’t usually look to jump from one job to another.
Similar generational differences to the silent generation, they grew up without technology, which is why they may be more accustomed to interacting face to face in group meetings. Having meeting rooms is a great way to allow the team to collaborate in a safe environment, but you could also promote the idea of coworking and lounge areas. Our coworking and lounge spaces allow you to work from a refined, elegant work environment, available at 12 of our London locations. The locations available are:
1 King William Street, EC4N 7AF
20 North Audley Street, W1K 6LX
Octagon Point, St Pauls, EC2V 6AA
33 St James’s Square, SW1Y 4JS
Generation X (Born 1965 to 1980)
Falling in between baby boomers and millennials is generation X. Their characteristics could be described as self-reliant, hardworking and possibly more educated than generations before them. Generation X have generational differences with both those that came before them, but also after them as they were the first to be shaped by the evolution of personal computers.
A key generational difference between gen X, baby boomers and the silent generation is that they are comfortable using technology and being online, but they are also comfortable with face to face interaction. Having a balance in your office environment could help to give this group the flexibility they need to perform well.
Millennials / generation Y (Born 1981 to 1996)
One of the largest groups within the modern workforce is millennials, otherwise known as generation Y. Millennials were brought up as the internet began to take shape, which is why they may be more accustomed to sending emails, texts or instant messages over talking to someone in person.
External factors have impacted the mindset of millennials, as they entered work during a recession. The need for planning out a long term career, sees this group showing a desire for leadership training and skills development. This is one of the biggest generational differences seen between this group and their predecessors. Having hybrid work solutions, such as our hub and flex offices is the perfect balance for this group to learn in person but also the flexibility of hot-desking.
Generation Z (Born 1997 to 2012)
Generation Z are also described as digital natives, and a major generational difference is this group could view their smartphones as essential for the workplace. Digital platforms and social media are the way forward to attracting and retaining this generation, as they can typically be found researching potential employers before working there.
To keep this group engaged, offering a workspace, or virtual office, which features the latest cutting-edge technology is important. Working in an Argyll office can provide you with the technology you need to impress. Our smart offices can also be a good base for your team to grow, as a generational difference found for this age is that they like the stability and social aspects of an office environment. In a recent study, it was found that Gen Z are the most ‘pro-office’ category out of the five generations. This study’s results may come as a shock to some, as beforehand it would have been thought Gen Z would love to work from home. For this reason, understanding the generational differences is important, rather than making stereotype judgements.
About Argyll serviced offices
Argyll’s ambitions have never changed since being founded over 20 years ago. Our aim is to provide businesses exceptional, serviced offices and workspaces in London’s most prestigious locations. We have over 30 London office locations to choose from, which means we are sure to have a workspace suitable for your team to return together safely. Discover our selection of serviced offices today.
