The changing face of the office – understanding Generation Y

For brokerage businesses, the introduction of so-called Generation Y into the workforce could spell some big changes in the way the traditional office is viewed. Will your practice be ready for the changes?

It seems every generation has their own views on the how the office should be. The Baby Boomers aspired to their own private office in return for years of dedicated service. Generation Xers were happy to work in the new open plan offices where even the big boss sits amongst the other workers. Now, Generation Y is entering the workforce and big changes to the way we view the office environment are again due to occur.

While Generation Xers are happy to sit in their open plan offices, talking around the water cooler and generally interacting with others in the office, Generation Y is set to be different. They are even more technologically savvy than the already technologically savvy Generation Xers. They text each other on their mobiles instead of talking, and they are happy to communicate with their friends via the internet using tools such as instant messaging and web cams. They are now bringing their views on communicating via technology to the office. They will demand more flexibility and mobility. They will feel comfortable working from home, communicating with fellow workers and clients via the internet or other electronic means. They will not so much care where they work more than they will care about the office technology they will have to work with. Video conferencing will be a comfortable alternative to face-to-face meetings, as opposed to the Baby Boomers and Generation X who still feel more comfortable holding face to face meetings.

What will this mean for tomorrow’s office?
While more and more employees will be working outside the office, the office will remain an essential part of most brokerage practices. However, the office will inevitably change. Staff will also want a voice when it comes to the refurbishment and redesign of the office. Many larger organisations, for example, have already introduced radical changes to the design of their offices to cater to the demands of the younger generation of employees now entering the workforce. Cafes, gyms, fully equipped kitchens, breakout rooms with lounges, televisions and even pool tables and pinball machines are becoming more commonplace in new office designs. All these amenities may not be practical in smaller offices however; some of these amenities will need to be implemented.

Understanding Generation Y
Generation Y is the name given to the younger twenty-somethings now entering the workforce. They see themselves different to the Generation Xers who are now mainly in their thirties. Here are just some of their views on working:

• They will seek out employers who will assist them in their professional development.
• They want to succeed.
• They want a meaningful career that will help others.
• They want to work with committed co-workers.
• They want the opportunity to meet their personal goals.
• They are technologically savvy and are happy communicating electronically and remotely.