Surprising new Steelcase data discovered organizations may be missing an important element when it comes to Millennials and Gen Z workers \u2014 the office. Across the board, younger generations have a comparatively more favorable view of the workplace, what it can provide, and why they feel the need to be there. They look to the workplace as a resource: a place with the proper tools, higher level of technology access and the best place to be recognized for possible advancement. One caveat: The space and the culture need to provide more than the pre-pandemic office.<\/p>\n THE DRAW<\/strong><\/p>\n To take it a step further, younger generations are approaching remote work<\/a> policies with caution. They believe being out of the office more days could impact their future professional prospects negatively.<\/p>\n According to Steelcase research, 42% of younger generations view advancement as a key benefit to the office versus 31% of older generations.<\/p>\n Explore the Steelcase Global Report: Get key findings about what people value more now and how the workplace needs to change to support hybrid work.<\/p>\n Download the Steelcase Global Report<\/a><\/p>\n SPACE IS KING<\/strong><\/p>\n Looking specifically at the value of space in the office, younger generations clearly prioritized the office environment compared to older generations. Seventy-four percent of younger generations said workspace is extremely or highly important, compared to only 69% of Boomers and Gen X. Perhaps even more poignantly, Millennials and Gen Z by far found the office to be more valuable than they did prior to the pandemic, when compared to older generations.<\/p>\n 44% of younger employees say they perceive the office to be more valuable now, compared to 28% of older workers.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n YOUNGER GENERATIONS WANT THE SAME THINGS AS OLDER WORKERS \u2013 JUST MORE<\/strong><\/p>\n What that new environment looks like will vary, but Steelcase research uncovered five things younger workers say are most important in their office space. All of these tested significantly higher among younger generations.<\/p>\n 1. People want more collaborative spaces<\/strong><\/p>\n -Younger generations: 69% more important than pre-pandemic 2. Privacy<\/strong><\/p>\n -Younger generations: 68% more important than pre-pandemic 3. Flexibility of Furniture<\/strong><\/p>\n -Younger generations: 59% more important than pre-pandemic 4. Sustainability of Office Furniture<\/strong><\/p>\n -Younger generations: 58% more important than pre-pandemic 5. Storage Lockers<\/strong><\/p>\n -Younger generations: 47% more important than pre-pandemic WHY IT MATTERS<\/strong><\/p>\n Simply put: Steelcase research finds that overall those who like working from their office more are significantly less likely to leave and are significantly more engaged, productive and connected to their company culture, regardless of generational differences. Millennials and Gen Z are the fastest growing segment of workplace talent, so it stands to reason that companies must act now to provide the culture and space needed to attract and retain those key performers.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/images.steelcase.com\/image\/upload\/c_limit,dpr_auto,q_70,h_1024,w_1024\/v1646756186\/21-0166301_16x9.jpg\")
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\n-Older generations: 60% more important than pre-pandemic<\/p>\n
\n-Older generations: 53% more important than pre-pandemic
\nFlexibility of Furniture<\/p>\n
\n-Older generations: 45% more important than pre-pandemic<\/p>\n
\n-Older generations: 38% more important that pre-pandemic<\/p>\n
\n-Older generations: 31% more important than pre-pandemic<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/images.steelcase.com\/image\/upload\/c_limit,dpr_auto,q_70,h_1024,w_1024\/v1646772609\/21-0159418.png\")
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