Generation Y and the Workplace Annual Report 2010 - Haworth

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Location
Focus:
Where would you prefer your office to be located?
Overview:
Location often plays a major role in people’s decisions about what company to work for. Being situated
in an urban location or a major city could be a motivator for people to come to work everyday. Others
may prefer working in a more rural, greener environment. However, it is important to note that those
preferring urban locations, find, easily accessible public transportation, or good public infrastructure
and access for driving, cycling or even walking to work, very significant in their choice of employer.
Results:
The location of the office and how employees can reach it, plays a very important part in our decision
to commute to and from work. Most of employees work a fair distance from work, and it is not
uncommon to hear employees spending at least one hour of their day time if not more to reach their
office. The demand from the Generation Y is for an urban to slightly urban location, with easy access
to a transport infrastructure – access by road or by public transport and good access by walking
to work. With offices predominantly located in urban areas, in cities or in suburban areas, a more
sustainable way of working is possible, as reliance on public transport is high. More than 70% prefer
an urban to slightly urban location. India has the highest demand for office spaces in urban areas and
the lowest for rural locations. The preferences between the Generation Y and the Generation X do not
differ so much and are very compatible. The results highlight a need to consideroffices in urban areas
and close to major infrastructures.
Figure 10: Location of the office: per country, 18-25 years old
Global WorkPlace Innovation
Location should be near my
Home. My workplace should be
an ideal Space to interact,
share , brainstorm and play
with ideas.
Aisha, 1980
More than 70% prefer an urban to slightly urban location. India has the highest demand for office spaces
in urban areas and the lowest for rural locations. The preferences between the Generation Y and the
Generation X do not differ so much and are very compatible. The results highlight a need to consider
offices in urban arenas and close to major infrastructures.
Figure 11: Location of the office: Generation Y vs. Generation X
League table: Location
India has the most Generation Y demanding an urban setting
The UK has the highest proportion of Generation Y preferring a rural setting
Recommendations:
A city location in an urban landscape is preferred
Easy access via public transport is crucial to force employees to drop their cars
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Intellectual Property Johnson Controls, Haworth and iDEA.
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