J
ust when the workplace
trends developed for millen-
nials in the workforce have
been perfected, here comes
the iGeneration – and with
it, a recalibration of the way we
design and operate corporate envi-
ronments. While the multigenera-
tional workforce is enabling and
requiring a hybrid design strategy,
the iGeneration (or Gen Z) is chal-
lenging us to think differently
about workplace standards.
These iGen members were born
in 1995 or later,
don’t know life
without smart-
phones and only
understand con-
stant connected-
ness. These indi-
viduals are here,
graduating from
college and enter-
ing the workplace
in spaces not nec-
essarily designed
for them and their
habits. According to industry data,
the iGeneration outnumbers mil-
lennials and baby boomers and is
approximately 25 percent of the
U.S. population and roughly 73
million in headcount. That means
changes for the workplace ahead.
This generation is digital native.
Those in it are recognized to be
realistic, diverse, competitive, mul-
titaskers, hyperaware and entre-
preneurial. They’re private and
don’t want to be followed – Snap-
Chat and Instagram resonate with
them, Facebook does not. They
understand a tough economy and,
unfortunately, terrorism and resul-
tant security protocols. Technology
is their way of life, making them
technology-reliant in mindset. It’s
rumored the iGen population puts
technology in the same categories
as air and water.
How will these traits impact the
work environment as we know it?
A continued nimble and flexible
Please see Page 23The iGeneration, made up of individuals born in 1995 or later, outnumbers millennials and baby boomers, represents approximately 25 percent of the U.S. population and is
roughly 73 million in headcount.
December 2017 Is the workplace ready for the iGeneration?INSIDE
Unemployment rate PAGE 6 Office bike share PAGE 23 Mountain design PAGE 22 Denver’s historically low unemployment rate is starting to prompt employer concerns Meridian tenants enjoy the state’s first office park dedicated, shared bike program Mountain town offices require a sophisticated balancing act of workplace and lifestyle designMegan Walsh
Principal, Catalyst
Planning Group,
Denver