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NEWPORT BEACH, CA—With Millennials expected to comprise 75% of the workforce by 2025, employers need to start adapting their workplace design to Millennials' preferences or risk being left behind in the race to attract and retain talent, H. Hendy Associates project director Susan Dwyer tells GlobeSt.com. From wellness initiatives and integrated technology to smart open-office layouts and collaborative workspaces, Dwyer—a NCARB-certified architect at the firm with nearly 20 years of experience—has seen Millennial preferences and values become a driving force in how office designs evolve. We spoke with her about how office design is changing because of this workforce cohort, what they prefer and how technology comes into the mix.

GlobeSt.com: How are millennials changing the way companies approach office design?

Dwyer: Millennials value flexibility and appreciate that different environments work for different personalities, working styles and, most importantly, the type of work activity that needs to be completed. Assigned workstations are increasingly a relic of the past, as Millennials prefer to have the option to work in spaces that best meet their needs for different tasks throughout the day. Whether it's the kitchen table, a private huddle room or a large open workspace, Millennials are happier and more productive when they have options. One person may prefer that 70% of his or her workday is spent head-down concentrating on work in a quiet environment, while the other needs music and conversation to get work done. Employers need to create spaces for each preference and give employees the freedom to adapt to their workspace throughout the day. This carries into the structure of the workday as well. Seventy-eight percent of Millennials prefer a flexible schedule, and feel it makes them more productive. Employers that don't adapt are leaving increased profitability on the table.