Can flexible working bridge the generation gap once and for all?

Workplace collaboration hinges on employees’ ability to understand and connect with their colleagues. Having the capability to see things from a different perspective is an essential and powerful tool that allows us to work alongside people of diverse backgrounds and create work that is comprehensive and inclusive. This becomes a challenge when you introduce people who have grown up under very different circumstances, face different challenges and have different priorities. When this divide arises between employees of varied age groups, we call it The Generation Gap.

As of 2022, the generational divide in the workforce is evenly split with Millennials making up the majority of workers in the UK and Ireland at 35% and Gen X and Boomers following closely behind at 33% and 31% respectively. Gen Z make up a slightly smaller percentage at 20% though this number will only continue to rise in the coming years. As a result, most businesses today are operating within a multigenerational workforce with as many as five generations working within one company. While the rise of remote-working and radical advancements in technology have provided the workforce with numerous benefits, it has also led to an increase in social and professional isolation. With much of our work moved online and water-cooler conversations few and far between, it is natural to feel as though we are losing our ability to connect with our colleagues and peers. This begs the question: How can employers adjust to the constantly shifting work landscape and effectively bridge The Generational Gap?

The Baby Boomer generation began their careers in a time where having a well-paid job was a luxury, not a requirement. As a result, they tend to expect less supplementary benefits than other cohorts in order to achieve job satisfaction. Boomers value face-to-face communication and forming real connections with their colleagues which can conflict with the modern workforces move towards virtual interactions. They were raised with the mindset that their job was the reward for working hard, rather than a stepping stone to a more lucrative position. This mentality, combined with their desire for more in-person connection, can create a divide between Boomers and the generations that follow. Paul McClatchie, CEO of recruitment firm Engage People, notes that “Most people above a certain age remember a time when they felt lucky to land a job that offered prospects for the medium to long term. The attitude has shifted a little now, and it can be common for an individual to seek a job that fits neatly into their life.” This shift was most evident when Generation X entered the workforce.

While all generations are beginning to prioritise a work-life balance, Gen X were trailblazers for the cause. They were the first generation to advocate for the flexible-working conditions that are so prevalent in today’s world. As this generation continues to prioritise a healthy work-life balance, having an accessible workspace in a prime location is a key factor. Many Gen X employees are working parents so the availability of a readily accessible space that accommodates their unpredictable needs is paramount. Severin Garanzuay, CEO and founder of Garanzuay Consulting chose the flexible workspace Iconic Offices as a base for his business to cater to the individual needs of his employees. “We understand not everyone can operate at work between 9-5. Many of our employees work non-traditional hours, delivering the work around their schedules.” Garanzuay operates out of The Merrion Buildings in Dublin 2 which provides his employees with a central hub that is accessible and close to current and potential clients.

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Millennials are the generation most concerned with their purpose in life and their work is closely tied to their identity. However, as a result of this, they’ve emerged as the generation most susceptible to burnout, and they exhibit the lowest job satisfaction among all age groups, averaging just 4.6 out of 10 according to Forbes Advisor 2024 Report. Millennials entered the workforce eager and ready to work hard but the emergence of ‘hustle culture’ alongside the overwhelming array of opportunities presented by the modern technological landscape blurred the boundaries between work and their personal lives and many ended up burnt out when they’d barely just began. Hannah Coen, co-founder of The Inside Job and Iconic Offices member, recalls how she knew it was time to leave her job when it began affecting her well-being. “I remember being overworked, lacking boundaries and experiencing burnout in both areas of work and life.” Nowadays, Millennials are still aiming to have a sense of purpose in their careers, but, taking notes from their younger counterparts, they are prioritising their well-being first. Coen notes how the switch to the flexible workspace provider, Iconic Offices, was key to repairing her relationship with work. “I prefer being in the office by choice now. I find it helpful in maintaining clear boundaries between work and life.”

Generation Z have only been working for a few years but have already earned the title of the ‘most stressed-out generation’ due to finishing their education in a global pandemic and entering the workforce in a fully remote world. Still, as a generation who grew up learning to prioritise and support their well-being, it is unsurprising that 22% of Gen Z are worried that hybrid or remote working will have a negative impact on their mental health. Rather than the social isolation that is so inherent with remote working, Gen Z are asking for a balance between at-home working and in-person interaction. As the first generation to not prioritise salary over everything else, additional benefits such as well-being supports, a diverse workplace and hybrid-working models are essential to attracting and retaining Gen Z employees. “They are now more inclined to work with a company that aligns with their values and approach. Rather than focusing exclusively on financial gain, they seek a company that focuses on social, environmental, and diversity issues,” McClatchie states.

So, what can employers do to cater to the various needs of a multigenerational workforce? When you look at each generation’s priorities, it’s clear that they all stem from the same desire to gain control over their professional and personal lives. Baby Boomers want to maintain social connection, Gen X are looking for a healthy work-life balance, Millennials need a workspace that supports their well-being and Gen Z are seeking out companies that align with their values. In order to support a multigenerational workspace, businesses must operate within a space that has the flexibility to support a multitude of needs.

The rise of flexible workspaces in the last decade has been an essential factor in aiding diverse companies to function successfully. Flexible workspaces, like Iconic Offices, challenge the constraints of traditional office space by creating intentional space for connection and collaboration. The low-commitment nature of short lease terms gives companies the opportunity to assess the needs of their team as they evolve and adapt as the generational division shifts. With 14 locations in Dublin city centre, Iconic Offices also addresses the need for an accessible, central location. Many companies choosing flexible workspaces are embracing the way these spaces lend themselves to hybrid-working models. Those who value in-person interactions have the opportunity to work in a lively workspace with like-minded individuals while those who prefer intentional office time can utilise break-out spaces and meeting rooms for purposeful collaboration.

The introduction of flexible working in the modern workforce has provided business leaders with solutions for decade-long issues. Hybrid-working allows employees to have control over their workspace and awards them the flexibility to adapt to situations in their personal life with ease. It addresses the need for control while also providing the space for collaboration and connection and it’s clear that the expectation for flexible working is only going to increase. Morgan McKinley’s 2024 Global Workplace Study found that 92% of respondents in Ireland express a strong preference for continuing in a hybrid or remote work model. Companies choosing to adapt to the growing demand for flexibility are not only bridging The Generation Gap of the current workforce’s needs but are laying the foundation for a seamless transition for the next generation of workers.

Looking for a new workspace in Dublin? Learn more about Iconic Offices’s tailored solutions here