GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Dec. 5, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Steelcase (NYSE:SCS), a global office environments manufacturer, today revealed the results of the third in a three-part Workplace Index Survey on the Nature of Work in 2007. Conducted by Opinion Research Corporation (ORC), the study examines how age affects the interaction of office workers in a multi-generational workplace. The study comes at a time when organizations have four generations of workers on the job, and this profound shift in age balance has significant design implications for the future of office environments.
Polling nearly 700 office workers in the United States, the survey shows that workers tend to have the strongest relationships with colleagues within their same generation. Fifty-nine percent of 18-24 year olds have the strongest rapport with colleagues 29 or younger, while most 25-34 year olds (67 percent) and 35-44 year olds (52 percent) have the strongest relationships with those between the ages of 30 and 40. Additionally, 64 percent of those aged 45-54 and 70 percent of workers 65 and older have a closer connection with those older than 40. These same workers report that most of their daily work is completed with people in the same age brackets.
According to Steelcase, this data is not surprising; however, there are ways organizations can harness surprising synergies of cross-generation work through space planning. While each generation is characterized by unique work behaviors and values, workers generally appreciate the distinct point of view of other generations, as well as their contributions to the workplace community.
"Often technology is the tool that links different age groups. For example, while the oldest generations in today's workforce tend to utilize technology to store, archive and retrieve information, younger generations embrace technology as a social networking tool, and the different age groups are learning from each other," said Chris Congdon, manager, corporate marketing for Steelcase. "The same can be said for the use of office space, as younger workers thrive in a more collaborative environment, while older generations favor more privacy. Effective workplace design can adapt to meet the needs of each age group."
However, office design often does not accommodate the wide spectrum of age and ability currently in the workplace, and workers are inclined to identify best with and have the most admiration for colleagues their same age:
18-24 Year Olds 71% identify best with those 29 or younger 25-34 Year Olds 64% identify best with those 30-40 45-54 Year Olds 69% identify best with those Older than 40 55-64 Year Olds 78% identify best with those Older than 40 18-24 Year Olds 26% most admire those 29 or younger 25-34 Year Olds 47% most admire those 30-40 45-54 Year Olds 61% most admire those Older than 40 55-64 Year Olds 77% most admire those Older than 40
"While we certainly expect workers within the same age group to bond over common ways of thinking, different generations are quite capable and willing to work together," said Congdon. "And tailored office design can interconnect workers through spaces that encourage collaboration and relationships that bridge the generation gap."
Career Counsel and Guidance
When it comes to career advice, workers prefer to seek council from someone close to their own age. According to the survey, 78 percent of those age 18-24 saying they would turn to someone under age 40 for career advice, compared to only 17 percent of those age 55-64. Seventy-two percent of those age 45-54 would turn to someone older than 40.
Additionally, three-fourths of office workers say they do not have a mentor. However, of those who do have a mentor, the majority (77 percent) work with someone who is older than 40. Concurrently, 65 percent of the respondents say they learn the most from colleagues older than 40.
The Steelcase Workplace Index Surveys address pertinent issues in today's work environment. This continual workforce feedback is essential to the development of Steelcase's knowledge of the workplace and to the company's product development and corporate ventures aimed to increase worker effectiveness and productivity. Past surveys have covered working on vacation, ergonomics and workspace personalization. Further information on workplace issues is available in the knowledge center on Steelcase's Web site at www.steelcase.com.
About Steelcase Inc.
Steelcase, the global leader in the office furniture industry, helps people have a better work experience by providing products, services and insights into the ways people work. The company designs and manufactures architecture, furniture and technology products. Founded in 1912 and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Steelcase (NYSE:SCS) serves customers through a network of nearly 900 independent dealers and approximately 14,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2007 revenue was $3.1 billion. Learn more at www.steelcase.com.
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