Baby boomers crave tech in the workplace more than Gen Z

by Becky Turner

Date

July 11 2023

Read length

3 min

The UK office has to work far harder to meet the needs of Gen Z, millennial, Gen X and baby boomer workers, as all have very different priorities, according to a report.

What workplace aspects are most important to the baby boomer generation?

The report by interior design and fit-out business Claremont found that boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) want better technology in the office to help them be more productive. They also want face-to-face collaboration and team spirit more than any other generation.

What workplace aspects are most important to Gen Z workers?

Generation Z, the youngest in the workplace, is the most bothered about having access to an environmentally responsible workplace – with 20% saying offices would be more inviting if they offered improved environmental practices such as better recycling and EV charging.

Gen Z isn’t just about collaboration or free coffee either – they’re the most likely to go into the office for quiet lone working – perhaps a reflection of living in busy flat shares or at home with parents also trying to work remotely. They’re also the most concerned about diversity and inclusion, wanting dedicated spaces for those going through the menopause and multi-faith groups, and for the office to provide a sense of routine.

Becky Turner, workplace psychologist at Claremont, which commissioned the study of 1,000 UK workers for its The Workplace Oooh report, said: “Managing a multigenerational workforce has become a balancing act and how our workplace supports us is a huge factor in getting that balance just right.

“It’s interesting to see this data challenge some of the misconceptions we have. Generation Z has grown up with tech but it’s not tech that’s driving them forward, instead, it’s social conscience, both in terms of the environment and how they view diversity and inclusion and managing things like menopause.

“Often called ‘snowflakes’ and mistakenly thought of as not caring about work, especially with trends like ‘quiet quitting’, Gen Z is actually very rounded in their list of wants and how they want the office to make them feel.”

https://www.facilitatemagazine.com/content/news/2023/07/10/baby-boomers-crave-tech-workplace-more-gen-z

https://londonlovesbusiness.com/baby-boomers-want-workplace-tech-and-collaboration-while-gen-z-crave-social-conscience-and-inclusion/

https://www.pfmonthenet.net/article/199240/Multigenerational-workforces-prove-challenging-for-employers.aspx