As a workplace strategist, I often speak with clients about the diversity of generations in their workplace, and how these cohorts influence workplace strategy. For example, the desire for flexibility and choice among Millennials was a driver behind the integration of alternative workplace strategies like hoteling and desk sharing in historically traditional industries. While generational lines are often blurred—with Perennials challenging the stereotypes—certain themes resonate.
I recently sat down with a client’s senior executives to discuss workplace strategy and was struck by their comments. They had just returned from a leadership conference where a consultant described some distinguishing factors about the next workforce, Generation Z, which encompasses those born roughly between 1995 and 2010. “[They’ll be] the complete opposite of the Millennials. In fact, they would sooner share socks than a desk!”