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Silicon Valley and San Francisco are still the technology meccas of the United States. But data released by commercial real estate firm Cushman and Wakefield earlier this year indicates that Salt Lake City and Boston are vying for that title. Salt Lake City has a combination of a large Millennial population and cheap rent, while Boston has easy access to venture capital and of course Harvard and MIT. But the Bay Area is not in imminent danger of losing its status, at least not as of today.
Young Millennials and Generation Z get the reputation of being job hoppers, but they actually want to remain at the same job indefinitely under the right conditions. A 2017 survey by software firm Qualtrics found that 90% of Millennials would stay at a job for a decade or longer if they receive annual raises and opportunities at advancement. The other constant the under-30 crowd values is feeling like their employer cares about their well-being and provides inspirational workspaces.
It’s more important than ever for companies, particularly those in the tech space courting top talent, to pay close attention to their office furniture and the trends related to office layouts. Here are three signs that your office may be out of date.
The office has evolved with the times, especially with advances in technology at the turn of the century. A 2014 Harvard Business Review report pointed out that 85% of workers in 1980 needed privacy and a place to concentrate on their work. This was at a time when all communication were done by phone, snail mail, or fax. The numbers shifted dramatically in the late 1990s when only 23% said they needed privacy as workflows became more web and computer-based.
Granted some businesses still thrive with cubicles with tall dividers. But open office workstation are now the norm in the tech industry. Workers want collaborative environments and the ability to easily communicate with one another while working on their projects.
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people miss work. The American Chiropractic Association estimates that back pain causes 264 million lost days of work per year in the United States, and is the third most common reason for doctor visits after skin and joint disorders.
It's both in your company's best interest and the best interest of your employees to invest in ergonomic office furniture. Not only will this drastically cut down on absenteeism, but will also increase productivity due to employees feeling more relaxed and comfortable.
Smart offices are designed so teams work faster, more efficiently and more intelligently. The idea is to create a responsive workplace that connects everyone through mobile apps, sensors and other Internet of Things (IoT) technology.
Office desks built before the turn of the century lack the proper cutouts and spaces to run cables. That means cables must be wrapped around chair legs, leading to a cluttered feel around workspaces. This also presents safety hazards as all those cables lying there disorganized will eventually lead to someone tripping and falling over them.
Is your office layout in need of a makeover? Project managers at Eco Office use innovative design technology to help you choose the right furniture and create a layout that addresses all your operational needs. Give us a call today at 408-437-1700 to get your office update started.
-------------------------------Samantha Johnson is a freelance writer and editor. She lives in Sacramento with her husband, daughter, and two cats. Samantha writes for several retailers and mommy bloggers, and runs an e-commerce store.
