Innovation in fit-outs – are Generation Y and technology firms heralding a new trend?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how is the workplace changing with the age-range of its workforce? Why is happiness and wellness in the workplace being prioritised more than ever before? Will the workplace of the future be designed as a serviced experience rather than the office that is known today? This paper aims to examine these questions, and why the answer might be found in the influence of Generation Y and technology organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach to this paper is to draw from a number of sources – AECOM’s published paper for the BCO on how the TMT sectors are impacting office design – extensive AECOM project experience and research in practice. The presentation prepared for cutting edge was the starting point for the structure and content of this paper.

Findings

The authors are designing for multiple generations at work, not just the youngest people. The authors can learn much, however, from the trends being set by the youngest sectors, such as technology organisations with their Generation X board members driving speed, informality and a work/life blend. The next generation workplace will be designed with more emphasis on diversity, choice, flexibility and sustainability. The office will be as much about the experience and service provision as the physical space supporting people holistically for a happier, healthier and more productive workforce.

Research limitations/implications

There are multiple topics addressed in this paper. Research and findings are drawn from other sources. New research is beyond the scope of this paper.

Practical implications

Looking ahead, developers and architects will need to reuse empty office space in other ways. The city block of the future must be mixed-use, vertically and horizontally, and incorporate offices, residential, dining, leisure and co-working, with a permeable, linked-up ground floor. City blocks today are sometimes segregated, designed as separate buildings in one, with separate entrances breaking up the ground floor into separate domains. The city block of the future needs to be more joined up, more connected and open at ground floor level to allow a mix of people and functions, creating more public space.

Social implications

The opportunity is to create sustainable and highly utilised environments where people can work, live and socialise.

Originality/value

Drawing from the AECOM proprietary global occupancy database which contains 25 years of data of how buildings are actually used over time. This paper includes the data for the last ten years. Applying the reality of four generations in the workplace to the design of office buildings.

Citation

Gillen, N. and Cheshire, D. (2015), "Innovation in fit-outs – are Generation Y and technology firms heralding a new trend?", Journal of Property Investment & Finance, Vol. 33 No. 5, pp. 465-473. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPIF-05-2015-0034