We all love to dream of being able to work at home instead of dragging ourselves into the office. Working remotely allows employees to create their own work schedules as well as their own workspaces that can be entirely tailor made to their needs. For example, choosing the perfect chair out of all the office chairs out there that will give the ideal level of comfort (something that is hard to do in a traditional office environment)!
As such, it is understandable to assume that the millennial generation, renowned for being forward thinkers and avid users of technology, would prefer to work remotely. After all, it is estimated that by 2025 the millennial generation will account for 75% of the workforce globally according to Forbes.
But according to a recent survey of 1,000 employed adults by Maintel the opposite is actually true. While remote working is becoming more popular for employees across the UK, the study found that 48% of those under 35 felt they were more productive in the office. This is an incredibly high figure, particularly when considering that only 19% of baby boomers (aged over 55) felt the same way.
Why Choose An Office?
One of the main reasons that Millennials prefer to work in an actual office is because it offers a much easier way to contact more experienced workers. By working in an actual physical office environment, younger workers are able to get face-to-face support much easier around office tables for example, compared to having to contact people via email or phone calls.
It also allows them to showcase their hard work, potentially leading to promotions. It is, after all, hard to show that you have been working incredibly hard when you are at home on your own all the time! When in an office, managers can see their employees working hard while sat at their office desks.
Image source: Calibre Office Furniture
For older employees however, the preference for remote working could be due to responsibilities they have at home, allowing them to become more productive both in the workplace and their home life.
A benefit to many employees is that the employers of today are becoming more savvy to the changing needs of their workplace and are more likely to both offer, and accept, remote working. 73% of respondents were found to believe that their company offered a good flexible working policy. This in turn allowed 64% to feel that they are not micromanaged.
What Can Offices Do To Encourage Workers To Stay?
While it should be important to note that not every millennial will be comfortable with working in an office, there are plenty of easy ways to keep this generation happy in the office. Consider perhaps employing a pet friendly scheme that will allow employees to bring in their pets.
According to research from Purina PetCare, 42% of workers aged 18-34 would appreciate working in a dog friendly workplace. This is even more advantageous for companies looking to recruit top talent, as almost a quarter of respondents (24%) felt that a dog friendly workplace would be more attractive to them.
Making the aesthetic of the office can also help to encourage employees to be happier in the office. The rise of open plan offices means that people are now more aware of their surroundings than ever. Invest in plants to brighten up the environment, as well as provide some health benefits for employees.
Consider as well modernising the furniture in the workplace with the addition of items such as a glass desk in workspaces. The millennial generation is, after all, the generation that has grown up with the rapid evolution of technology and modern environments will appeal more. Allow for personalisation of desks, given that most employees are likely to spend more time in the office than they will at home, it can help encourage productivity be allowing a desk to feel more comfortable.
OPInfo Blog would like to thank Calibre Office Furniture for the opportunity to collaborate with them.
Guest post by: Sarah Jubb at OpInfo Blog