NEWPORT BEACH, CA—With Millennials expected to comprise 75% of the workforce by 2025, employers need to start adapting their workplace design to Millennials' preferences or risk being left behind in the race to attract and retain talent, H. Hendy Associates project director Susan Dwyer tells GlobeSt.com. From wellness initiatives and integrated technology to smart open-office layouts and collaborative workspaces, Dwyer—a NCARB-certified architect at the firm with nearly 20 years of experience—has seen Millennial preferences and values become a driving force in how office designs evolve. We spoke with her about how office design is changing because of this workforce cohort, what they prefer and how technology comes into the mix.

GlobeSt.com: How are millennials changing the way companies approach office design?

Dwyer: Millennials value flexibility and appreciate that different environments work for different personalities, working styles and, most importantly, the type of work activity that needs to be completed. Assigned workstations are increasingly a relic of the past, as Millennials prefer to have the option to work in spaces that best meet their needs for different tasks throughout the day. Whether it's the kitchen table, a private huddle room or a large open workspace, Millennials are happier and more productive when they have options. One person may prefer that 70% of his or her workday is spent head-down concentrating on work in a quiet environment, while the other needs music and conversation to get work done. Employers need to create spaces for each preference and give employees the freedom to adapt to their workspace throughout the day. This carries into the structure of the workday as well. Seventy-eight percent of Millennials prefer a flexible schedule, and feel it makes them more productive. Employers that don't adapt are leaving increased profitability on the table.

GlobeSt.com: What types of office layouts are preferable for Millennials?

Dwyer: In most cases, open offices that offer flexibility are preferable. Hierarchy isn't a concern for this age group, and even high-level Millennial executives don't care about having a private office. If they do have one, it is often multifunctional and doubles as a small meeting room for their team to gather in throughout the day or a quiet space for a colleague. Private offices are also increasingly designed with glass walls, promoting a sense of transparency and togetherness. Function is much more of a priority than the prestige of having a private office. As workplaces increasingly use little to no paper, workstation sizes are shrinking accordingly. Amenities that promote work-life balance are also becoming more popular. Some buildings even have concierge services that offer everything from dry cleaning to oil changes to meal catering.

GlobeSt.com: How are offices incorporating technology to accommodate the way Millennials work?

Dwyer: With flexible workspaces, technology integration is a necessity. Employees should be able to use their login to access their desktop at any computer in the office, or be provided laptops that give them complete freedom to move throughout the day. Ample power outlets are always a necessity for offices with laptops.

Many offices are also increasingly incorporating high-quality speakers to create the lively environment Millennials crave. Having music play out loud at certain times of the day allows those who prefer listening to music to not have headphones in all day, which can hamper the collaboration of an open-office space. For those that prefer quiet space, private rooms or areas should always be available. Employers worry about creating noise that could distract workers, but in reality, many Millennials are more productive in a lively environment, and you're doing them a disservice to only cater to those who prefer quiet.

GlobeSt.com: Is wellness a priority for Millennials? How is it being incorporated into the workplace?

Dwyer: Wellness programs are no longer seen as optional perks to Millennials; they are now a necessity. Eighty percent of large employers already offer wellness benefits, and a 2015 study indicated that health and wellness is one of Millennials' top priorities—second only to family. If Millennials prioritize wellness over nearly everything else (including their job), it's critical that employers incorporate it into employees' work experience to keep them happy and engaged.

With 84 percent of Millennials exercising at least once or twice per week, employers are increasingly incorporating in-office fitness centers into their office layout. Whether it's a large gym with a broad selection of weights and cardio equipment for a larger company or a treadmill and a few free weights for a small one, fitness offerings fulfill Millennials' prioritization of fitness and help with work-life balance. Flavored water to encourage hydration is also popular. Sit-stand desks are another wellness initiative that have been talked about for years, but have only become cost-effective recently. Companies purchasing new furniture can convert every workstation to sit-stand desks for about $450 each, which is similar in cost to the sit-stand accessories that can be placed on top of a traditional desk.

GlobeSt.com: How are millennials changing the way companies approach office design?

GlobeSt.com: What types of office layouts are preferable for Millennials?

GlobeSt.com: How are offices incorporating technology to accommodate the way Millennials work?

GlobeSt.com: Is wellness a priority for Millennials? How is it being incorporated into the workplace?

Instant Insights /

How Millennials Are Changing Office Design

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