A seismic change is about to hit the workplace. No, it’s not an earthquake, but it will shake facilities nationwide.
While Millennials at work continue to make noise and generate headlines, quietly falling under the radar is the fact that Generation Z—those born between 1994 and 2010—is now the largest portion of the U.S. population, edging out Millennials 26 percent to 24.5 percent.
What’s the big deal? Other generations have entered the workforce over the years, right? Well, this is different. While Baby Boomers continue to retire, and Millennials assume more management positions, the “new kids on the block” are beginning to assert themselves and impose their values on workplace transformation strategies, including the ubiquitous open office.
Gen Z is similar to Millennials in that both groups enjoy multi-tasking and have a mutual affinity for technology, but there are some telling differences. For example, Gen Zers were very young or not born when the 9/11 attacks occurred. They have no idea what it’s like to live in a world without war and global terrorism, and this this may well have resulted in them feel unsettled and perhaps insecure and circumspect.