About half (47%) of part- or full-time employees value a community atmosphere in the place where they work, according to a new survey by Clutch, a B2B research, ratings, and reviews company. The number increases to 55% for millennial workers aged 18-34.
These findings suggest that workspaces, including traditional offices, coworking spaces, coffee shops, and other public work areas, benefit from finding ways to bring their young employees together.
While Generation X and baby boomers also value community, they don't prioritize it at the same level as their younger coworkers.
This is likely because millennials are the first generation to grow up with the internet, says Laurel Cummings, a makerspace researcher and member of Building Momentum, a science and engineering consulting company.
Cummings says that the internet is a connective tool that allows people to create projects of previously unimaginable scale and reach. "The internet has brought this idea of multi-disciplinary work to a whole new level."
Kfir Shaked, senior architect lead at WeWork, a coworking network, agrees that making workspaces that encourage community-building interactions, such as stopping to chat, collaborating on projects, or teaching new skills, is key.
"When designing the community spaces, I'm thinking about these spontaneous conversations that might happen," Shaked said.
Putting community building at the forefront of workspace design is critical.
Stylish, Pleasant-Looking Workspaces Are Valuable to Employees
The top quality that employees want in their physical surroundings is a pleasant, comfortable workspace. More than 3 out of 5 office workers (61%) want their workspaces to look and feel good.
When workers have access to space they find agreeable and cozy, they're able to concentrate better and think more positively about the work they do.
"The state of my environment subconsciously influences my mood for the day and my productivity," says Sarah Mitchell, a child sleep consultant who frequents coworking spaces, coffee shops, and libraries.
Lots of natural lighting, biophilic design, up-to-date fixtures and furniture, and enough room to fit all workers are all ways to make a workspace an attractive place to be.
The report analyzes the top traits workers want in the physical spaces they occupy during the workday such as a dedicated desk, proximity to home, and the ability to change workspaces throughout the day. It also provides expert analysis and recommendations on workspace design.
Clutch's 2018 Future of Work Survey included 1,003 part- and full-time employees across the U.S. who can work at a desk or in an office.