An evolving environment
The office environment has changed dramatically over the past 25 years, driven largely by the digital revolution and the simplification it has brought in terms of the workplace layout. Usually one step ahead of the curve, the facilities management industry is, by its very nature, adept at managing change.
So, what can we expect to see over the next 25 years? How will the office space continue to evolve? And what will be the driving force behind that evolution?
At BRITA, we believe the workspace of the future will be built around the core principles of sustainability, focused on meeting the needs of the present whilst understanding the needs of the future workforce.
What do younger generations want from their workspace?
To better understand the workforce of tomorrow, we commissioned a piece of research to look at the views of 1,000 Generation Z and Millennials around sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the workplace.
The findings reveal that the new generation is a force for change – they’re driven to be the change they hope to see in the world. Their sustainability beliefs are strong, as is their belief in hard work.
So it’s no surprise that they put a high value on the sustainability credentials of their employer – an overwhelming majority (86%) said they would stay longer at a company longer if it reported back on its lower impact on the environment.
Simple steps towards sustainability
BRITA’s new research shows that it is important for organisations to focus on their CSR and sustainability initiatives if they are to retain the talent of the future. At a time when many industries are suffering skills shortages, this imperative is only going to grow.
The top CSR objective that matters to the younger generation is an environmentally friendly workplace building (46%), followed closely by support for health and wellbeing, including mental health (45%) and charity partnerships that they can get involved in (36%).
Start achieving these objectives with small changes in your workplace.
Simple steps like installing a BRITA VIVREAU Extra C-Tap and providing reusable fill&go and VIVREAU swing bottles make it easier than ever for employees to stay hydrated and productive. It also helps employers demonstrate their responsibility to the environment by eliminating the need for single-use pre-bottled water.
View the full range of Office Water Dispensers
The office space of the future
But when it comes to designing and developing a sustainable workplace, where's the best place to start? Which facilities will contribute to creating a positive work environment that will attract and retain the strongest talent?
A few quick and easy changes can be made to optimise the physical office space. In addition to incorporating areas that facilitate different types of work (32%), the younger generation considered quiet zones (52%), hydration stations (31%), comfy seating areas (31%), and in-office gyms (31%) as important design elements.
It's clear that the dream for employees of the future is to step into a building that has been designed to have a low impact on the environment and a high impact on their well-being.
After all, a healthy workforce is a productive one, and a productive workforce is key to business success and of course, to the strength of the overall UK economy.
Need inspiration? Download our toolkit on next generation workplace sustainability today.
