Millennials (aka Generation Y) are those born between 1982 and 1993 are proving to be a very entrepreneurial generation. But the next generation may be even more ambitious than them! Enter Gen Z (those born between 1994 and 2010) or what is called “The internet generation” – who are by far the most tech-savvy, connected and self-educated group.
Unlike Millennials who love the gig economy, research is showing Gen Z want steady paycheques. What also makes Gen Z different? They claim to be both more accepting and more rebellious. Rebellion was pretty much absent for Millennials in their youth, as they seemed to have had a very shiny outlook on things. Gen Z is upset about the system that they’re inheriting – so it seems rebellion is back.
The first members of Gen Z will be graduating from university in just a few years, and market researchers and trend forecasters are aiming to tap into their psyches. Many businesses are wondering if this latest crop of youngsters will reshape how we do business tomorrow, just as Millennials are shaping things today. If you visit any coworking centre in any city where you operate, you will find most of the desks, work stations, couches and even the boardrooms filled with Millennials. This is predicted to be soon shared with Gen Z’s who are also not wanting to be stuck in cubicles.
While Gen Z has not yet flooded the workforce, it is not too early to start worrying about them. It is better to be prepared than to be taken by surprise. Knowing that just like Millennials, Gen Z do not want to be boxed into a fixed work station or cubicle, business needs to start thinking more about open team spaces. One way to accomplish this is to have businesses create their own private coworking spaces that encourage collaboration. This means having an open office space that has a combination of work stations, lounge areas, high-top work surfaces and alcoves that will allow for some privacy when needed.
It is easy for Internet giants like Google and Microsoft to build campuses that allow for these types of variable spaces. There is no reason that small businesses cannot find these types of spaces that already exist. Businesses with between 5 and 35 workers can look at office business centres like Telsec that offer team space facilities. Business centres can also offer private serviced offices and semi-private offices (just down the hall) for staff members who need to work in private or in smaller groups.
Another feature of a business centre over a traditional office space is that businesses do not need to invest in phone systems or office equipment – such as printers or photocopiers. They can utilize network printers and photocopiers on a a-la-carte basis. Business centres are also great for a growing staff by being able to offer more space. But they are also are able to offer smaller team spaces when more workers are allowed to work remotely. The really huge bonus of renting office space at an office business centre, is that businesses do not need to sign long-term leases – meaning that increasing or decreasing space needed does not need to be a financial hassle.