Baker Barrios Architects’ Marilyn Russell shares how to design a multigenerational workplace that blends the best of Baby Boomer experience, Gen X pragmatism, Millennial collaboration, and Gen Z digital fluency—creating an office where every generation thrives.
More Americans are working past age 65, according to data from Pew Research Center, which is extending the careers of Baby Boomers. At the same time, Gen Z are beginning their professional journeys, bringing with them fresh perspectives, digital fluency, and evolving expectation around work-life balance. The result is a uniquely multigenerational workplace, where up to four generations – Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z – are collaborating under one roof.
Each generation brings its own set of values, communication preferences, and working styles shaped by the eras in which they came of age. The key lies in creating environments that are not only functional but also adaptable – spaces that support a variety of work styles, promote accessibility, and offer opportunities for both quiet focus and dynamic teamwork. Following are considerations for designing an office that engages a broad range of people, resulting in an environment where all can deliver their best work.
I told Bill that if they move my desk one more time, then, then I’m, I’m quitting, I’m going to quit.
– Office Space (1999)
If you’ve ever seen the movie Office Space, you know what comes to mind when you ask someone in their 40s and older to picture an office environment. (And if you haven’t seen it, stream it now!) But when you ask younger workers, they envision something more like a cross between a coffee shop and an arcade. And each extreme can be equally unappealing to the other generations, with one being far too quiet and conservative and the other being much too distracting.
Knowing this, you need to balance dedicated personal space with community areas, providing both environments to enhance productivity – all within the confines of the overall square footage. What could this look like? I’m just going to say it – cubicles are coming back. After years of open-plan office dominance, many companies are recognizing the value of cubicles in fostering productivity, comfort, and inclusivity across different working styles and age groups. Gen X and Baby boomers value the ability to concentrate when needed. Additionally, cubicles create a more controlled sensory environment, making them ideal for neurodiverse employees or those who prefer a quiet setting.
But before you stop reading, I don’t mean the beige boxes of the early 2000s. Today’s options are much more design-forward as well as more flexible and ergonomic, with features like soundproofing and extra lighting. This solution fills the need for dedicated personal space with an efficient footprint.
Oh, don’t be ridiculous. Andrea. Everybody wants this.
– The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
While the office environment Miranda Priestly spawned in “The Devil Wears Prada” is more like a “What Not to Wear” for the workplace culture, some of her declarations about human nature ring true. One of them is there are certain things that simply have universal appeal – whether you realize it or not.
For example, as much as Gen X and Boomer workers tout their desire for dedicated – and quiet – personal workspace, when a vibrant communal area is added to an office design, they, too, are drawn to that energy. Whether it’s grabbing a morning coffee, stopping by to eat lunch, or snagging sparkling water and a snack for an afternoon pick-me-up, a central coffee shop-inspired lounge space is an amenity that brings all generations together. These spaces promote mentorship, cross-generational dialogue, and a sense of belonging. The key is that it can’t feel like the sterile old breakrooms of offices past.
With high-end finishes like stone countertops and sleek appliances, a color palette that reflects the office brand, and a variety of comfortable and attractive seating options, this space feels more like an upscale hotel lobby than an office. It has a more energetic atmosphere and promotes organic engagement among the team – regardless of generation.
One vital consideration is selecting furnishings based not just on aesthetics but also for flexibility and function. Doing so enables the space to serve a variety of uses, from the informal social hub described above, to a spot for collaborative brainstorming and team meetings, to a “hoteling” drop in area to accommodate the ebb and flow of hybrid work schedules. You might call the communal space the “little black dress” of office design. Today’s office design should cater to a multigenerational workforce that isn’t one size fits all but is adaptive, human-centered and inclusive. Through aesthetic, flexibility and intentional special design, the goal is to create an environment where employees of every generation feel seen, supported and empowered to do their best work.
Change is neither good nor bad. It simply is.
– Mad Men (2007)
The office ashtray and steno pool of the Mad Men-era office aside, nothing about the office environment changes as much as technology. And a multigenerational workforce will have widely varying experiences. On the one end of the spectrum, we have people who were starting their careers before email became mainstream and, on the other, we have a generation who were handed smart devices as babies. On the bright side, a technologically advanced office becomes truly effective when it’s inclusive, flexible and empowering. It must work hand in hand to bridge the generational differences while honoring individual strengths.
The continually evolving tech landscape is often where older workers feel left behind. A thoughtfully developed office environment needs to address this, and we’re seeing more and more companies incorporate these supports beyond traditional I.T. Support flexible workstyles with smart office design through hybrid collaboration tools such as smart boards, integrated video conferencing and wireless sharing so remote and in-person employees of any age can collaborate seamlessly.
Drop-in spots for tech support modeled after Apple’s Genius Bar is one design element that contributes to easier assistance. Another is incorporating smart technology throughout the office, which is sort of a “set it and forget it” solution. Individuals set their preferences once and when they scan into a space, their tech pre-sets automatically load. AI, too, has made tech more intuitive and can predict behaviors and needs, anticipating what a user will access. All of this makes the great generational tech divide a little narrower.
Lastly, blend teams intentionally so that each generation can contribute. Boomers’ experience, Gen X’s pragmatism, Millennials’ collaboration and Gen Z’s digital native skills. Encourage occasional in-person touchpoints, mentoring lunches and informal gatherings. Strong relationships help smooth over technological differences.
We’ll need a special locker for the hat.
– 9-to-5 (1980)
Jane Fonda as Judy, a former housewife forced to get her first job, is the epitome of someone very much out of their element in an uptight corporate setting, showing up to her downtown Manhattan office job dressed for the Kentucky Derby. But the truth is, we all come to work with our own “large hats,” so to speak – meaning we are all human and bring our whole selves to the office – not just our 9-to-5 persona. For older generations, the culture had long been to check your personal life at the door, but an increased focus on work/life balance and the Covid-19 pandemic with nearly all work becoming remote has shown that people are happier, less stressed and overall better employees when they have the flexibility for a more fluid approach to work/life balance. And office design can support that.
While personal lives look different from generation to generation, there are certain design features and amenities that are appreciated across the board. Topping the list is anything that supports wellness – mental and physical. These amenities can include quiet rooms for a break from stimulation, to make private phone calls or to tend to personal needs such as lactation or administering one’s medication; walking paths in suburban environments or gaming areas with ping pong or shuffleboard in urban environments – anything to promote body movement; and convenience amenities. The latter can be as varied as the distinctive needs of the staff, so involving your team in what these will look like is key. Doggie daycare, drop-off laundry service, a small market and even a salon are some of the more unique convenience amenities popping up in today’s offices. Let’s not forget catering to snackers with micro-markets and smart fridges – grab-and go convenience for time-strapped Millennials and Gen Z with fresh options for more traditional lunch-goers. Offering healthy, customizable options that reflect dietary preferences across generations (plant based, heart-healthy or gluten-free options).
Multigenerational offices have the potential to be engaging environments where everyone’s contribution is important and valued, and people can learn from each other. The differences in working styles can be an asset rather than a barrier with the right approach to creating a productive and inclusive office culture. Design plays a meaningful role in making that possible. Generational differences are far from being a liability and can be a powerful asset when harnessed through thoughtful, inclusive office design. The goal is to bridge generational divides, foster collaboration, and celebrate diversity in experience and perspective.
