What's with Gen Y?

Johannesburg, 17 Mar 2008

Business is keen to know what today's 18- to 25-year-olds - "Generation Y" - want in the workplace and seek from employers.

A consortium of companies is sponsoring an interactive online survey called OXYGENZ to determine the new working generation's preferences regarding how, where and when they wish to work.

The study was developed by Johnson Controls, a global real estate and facilities management business, in partnership with Haworth, a leader in the design and manufacture of adaptable workspaces. It is sponsored by Cisco, the BBC and BP.

"For the first time ever, four generations are working side by side," says Johnson Controls Global Workplace Solutions VP and GM Guy Holden. "As the baby boomers of the 1950s 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," he adds.

"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."

Haworth director Kate North adds that "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."

The survey's creator, Dr Marie Puybaraud, says she hopes to understand how young people view the workplace and the role it plays in their employment choices.

"The findings will tell us the emphasis that Generation Y puts on the workplace, its design, smart environments and technologies they would prefer to use, the facilities they want on site, as well as their views on environmental issues."