From nap pods to standing desks, here’s what each generation wants from their offices

Gone are the days where one generation rules the office, with now up to four age groups wanting a productive and harmonious office space that not only boosts employee satisfaction but also fosters collaboration and innovation.

Catering to each generation in the workplace can often feel tricky, especially when it comes to pleasing everyone when there are diverse preferences. Workthere, the flexible office specialist, surveyed UK office workers to reveal what is top of the wishlist for each age group, so businesses can make sure everyone is catered for.  

Gen Z (18-24s) 

Interestingly, Gen Z want the quietest workspace of all generations (41%). Their priorities are listening to music (31%), having a standing desk (28%) and places such as nap pods (23%) to rest, all of which are less relevant for older generations.  

The study also revealed that, despite spending the least amount of time in the workforce, Gen-Z is the most social, coming out on top when it comes to being around colleagues (26%), working in an open plan office (20%) and working with a wide variety of senior colleagues (28%).   

Millennials (25-44s) 

Millennials are by far the most interested in communal spaces (26%), suggesting they thrive when collaborating with colleagues in a social environment. Whilst they value a tidy workspace, other generations value it far more.   

Along with Gen Z, millennials are much more likely than other generations to want standing desks (26%). Since the pandemic, standing desks have risen in popularity thanks to the many health benefits from using them. From lowering blood sugar levels to reducing back pain, standing desks can be a great alternative for office workers. 

Gen X (45-54s) 

Generation X office workers are paving the way for innovative workplace design, citing the use of multiple screens as a key driver of productivity (18%) in the office.    

They also value calming elements, such as nature and plants (22%), demonstrating a growing awareness of the significance of holistic wellbeing in a modern workplace. 

Baby Boomers (over 55s) 

Baby Boomers are most concerned about the office temperature (25%) and getting the balance right so that it’s not too hot or too cold. Physical comfort is a priority for Boomers as they are also the most likely to want to wear casual clothing (27%), have comfortable furniture (24%), and they also value good lighting (40%) more than others.  

Cal Lee, global head of Workthere, said:

“While the generations do have some striking differences when it comes to office preferences, there are lots of features which make it onto the wishlists across all age groups. Creative spaces, good lighting and a comfortable environment were some of the top items shared across generations.    

“It's important that business owners and office designers take these preferences into account when choosing or creating their work environment, to ensure staff are as happy and productive as possible. Choosing a flexible office can be a great option for businesses with a wide age range workforce, as it allows them to offer staff a relaxed and comfortable office environment where they feel like they can perform at their best.”