Rise of Millennials Drives Workplace Change

Technological advancement, the entry of Generation Y, or Millennials, into the workforce and increased acceptance of mobile work are converging to drive evolution in the workplace. These factors are encouraging employers to re-evaluate workplace strategies, resulting in re-allocation of space within the footprint and reduction of square footage. A properly executed workplace strategy offers employers the opportunity to achieve cost savings and build a more effective work environment.

International Facilities Management Association data show that square footage per employee decreased by 15% to 20% in the period between 1994 and 2010. Management and professional employees were impacted the most during that timeframe, as clerical functions had already shifted to denser, efficient cubicles. Two key drivers of this dramatic decrease in space use are increased density and employee mobility.