Can Boomers and Gen X’ers Embrace the Open Office?
We hear so much about the Millenials, but what about the Boomers and Gen X’ers? Is it fair to ask an established employee at your company to embrace the open office after spending a decade or two behind three walls?
Imagine the assault of sites and sounds to someone thrust from a corner office onto a 30 x 60 bench with 7 other people. It’s probably the time of year, but I am reminded of a scene from a Dracula movie where they are dragging the monster into the bright light of day and he shrinks from the pain.
Mentally, this is what may be happening to your employees and the effect it has on their productivity should give you pause.
But let’s answer this question now! Can Boomers and Gen X’ers Embrace the Open Office? Boomers and Gen X’ers can adapt to open offices by focusing on collaborative benefits and flexible workspaces. Providing quiet zones, ergonomic furniture, and clear boundaries helps address their preference for privacy and structure. With thoughtful design and communication, open offices can foster inclusivity across generational work styles.
Here are some questions you may want to ask BEFORE you migrate to an open office…
1. Is there adequate space? Look around your office layout and consider the walls and line of sight. If employees are crammed into a small space, minus walls and with little horizontal and vertical space, they will feel exposed and productivity could take a serious hit. Consider using low partitions in order to give employees some visual privacy.
2. Are you moving everyone out of their private office, you included? Many Baby Boomers and Gen X’ers have worked hard over the years and one of the marks of their business achievements and value is their private office space. When putting everyone back on an equal playing field in an open office, tread lightly and consider leading by example.
3. Have you done your research? Be sure to gain insight into the differing views of all the generations affected by the open office switch. Check out this study conducted by Knoll. It’s a good start and shows the differences in priorities. They interviewed 15,500 employees about workspace value and important features.
You should also research companies that have already made the switch and learn from their mistakes. LifeSize, a video-conferencing tech company in Austin recently revamped their office with millennial-friendly perks in order to attract talent.
Designing the new office for all employees by providing workspace options will create a cohesive and successful work environment.
As with any change at the office, you may lose some employees during the transition, however, if your change management strategy is effective and you prepare by asking yourself the right questions, it will have a minimum impact on your overall business.
ROSI Office Systems, Inc. specializes in FREE space planning and can help you determine the effectiveness of an open office plan. REcube, our custom-built recycled workstations can include any height partition and are highly cost-effective compared to new workstations.
Contact Us to begin planning your new office whether you need office furniture in Houston, traditional office cubicles, or open-space office workstations, we’re here to help!
John Ofield is a recognized expert in the office furniture and office cubicle industry, with over 40 years of experience. As the founder of ROSI Office Systems, he specializes in space planning, custom cubicle designs, and high-quality commercial furniture. John’s expertise helps businesses enhance productivity and collaboration. He is also dedicated to mentoring entrepreneurs and redefining workspaces to inspire success.
