How to make your office appeal to millennials

The term ‘millennial’, or ‘Generation Y’, is usually applied to anyone born between the years 1980 and 1999, making it the largest group of people to emerge since the baby boomer generation. At present, these individuals are aged between 18 and 37, so it’s safe to say that a large portion of the workforce are millennials. In fact, research from accountancy firm Deloitte predicts that by 2025, 75 per cent of the workforce will be dominated by this demographic. Since millennials are such an important presence in the workplace, it’s only seems right to ensure your office appeals to them. For tips on how to make sure your workspace ticks all the right boxes for Generation Y, keep reading. Flexibility In the modern world of work, the monotony of being chained to a desk for the usual Monday to Friday, nine to five routine just won’t cut it. Millennials are looking for flexibility, so it’s essential that you’re willing to be fluid in your approach. For example, you could allow your employees to work remotely, such as from the comfort of their own home. Alternatively, you could choose to keep your personnel on site and give them permission to ditch their PCs in favour of laptops and tablets. This allows them to set up wherever they like, whether it’s a meeting room or breakout area. Up-to-date technology Forget bulky computer monitors and sprawling telephone wires - it’s time to update your technology. In a world of Apple, Samsung and other tech giants, the millennial generation expect to have access to the latest gadgets - so it’s vital you’re willing to invest. From personal laptops, tablets and smartphones, to wireless screen sharing, high definition TVs and interactive whiteboards, there a whole host of gadgets and gizmos you could introduce into your office. In updating employees’ workstations and meeting rooms in this way, you stand to get the most out of your workforce on a daily basis. An element of fun If there’s one thing we can learn from the millennial generation, it’s that an ‘all work, no play’ outlook isn’t the way forward. This demographic has introduced an element of fun into the workplace, and many companies are more willing than ever to blur the line between getting the job done and having some enjoyment. However, it’s not all about installing slides and travelling via hoverboards between meeting rooms. For instance, many businesses are going for communal areas featuring recreational activities such as ping pong tables and games consoles. While some people may think this is bad news for productivity, having breakout areas where employees can relax and unwind with their colleagues can actually help to improve happiness and boost motivation. There’s no denying that the world of work is constantly changing, so it’s vital that you’re willing to adapt and evolve to stay up to speed with what’s going on around you. With millennials ruling the workplace now and into the future, it’s the perfect time to make sure your office is up to scratch so you can meet the interests of this demographic.