I’ve been asked that question several times lately. Unfortunately I don’t have a good answer, though I’ve got lots of ideas.

But there’s hope. I just learned – via colleagues John Berry of Greystone Global Consulting and Doug Landman of 2020Technologies - that there’s a major study underway to answer that very question.

The study was described in yesterday’s edition of The Monday Morning Quarterback (subscription required), a journal published for the contract furnishtings industry. As the MMQB article notes, the global study is being conducted by Johnson Controls, in partnership with Haworth.

Here’s a brief excerpt from the article:

Johnson Controls has launched a research project called OXYGENZ — a global survey of Generation Y (18-25 year-olds) to understand their preferences for their future workplace. The survey was developed by the company’s Global Workplace Solutions business in partnership with Haworth.

OXYGENZ will investigate how, where and when young people wish to work. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, this new knowledge will inform businesses about the workplace attributes essential in the recruitment and retention of young people. OXYGENZ is sponsored and supported by leading global corporations including the BBC, BP and Cisco, looking to understand young people’s choices on a global scale.

And here’s a couple of statements from the research sponsors in each company:

Guy Holden, Vice President and General Manager of Johnson Controls Global WorkPlace Solutions, comments: “For the first time ever, four generations are working side by side. As the baby boomers of the 1950’s start to retire, businesses are facing a fundamental shortfall in talent. Providing a stimulating working environment is going to be a key factor in the war for future talent. The OXYGENZ survey is one of the biggest research projects our innovation team has undertaken and it is also one of the most exciting. The knowledge gained from the survey will play an important role in helping us advise our clients on preparing their workplaces to attract Generation Y and support their long-term business success, as well as furthering our vision to create a more comfortable, safe and sustainable world.”

Kate North, Global Director of Ideation for Haworth comments: “We are delighted to be a research partner with Johnson Controls on this global study and intrigued with the possible design and cultural implications. This research will provide Haworth and our client’s meaningful insights as they begin to leverage the workplace as a competitive and strategic recruitment tool, especially when aligned with technology and sustainability initiatives. Generational research cannot be ignored for effective business planning. The global reach of this research project, and the involvement of international partners, will guarantee new knowledge.”

While we don’t really know the answer to the core question yet, Charlie Grantham and I did write an article for CoreNet Global’s CRE Leader magazine several years called “Demographics and the Changing Nature of Work.” Hope you find it provocative.

It’s an important topic. We’re looking forward to hearing the results of the Johnson Controls/Haworth project sometime next fall.

Tags: GenY workplace futureofwork work workplacedesign

(This note is also cross-posted on my own blog, The