Each of the five generations are looking for different things in the workplace, and employers must work to appeal to top performers.

There are currently five different generations in the workplace. With Generation Z (under 18 years old) now entering the workplace, the workforce is now more diverse than ever. Research has revealed that Gen Z, Generation Y/Millennials (18-33 years old), Generation X (34-50 years old), baby boomers (51-70 years old) and the Greatest Generation (over 70 years old) are all inspired and motivated by different things in the workplace.

“The second annual Staples Business Advantage Workplace Index uncovers different challenges companies need to consider when managing the growing multi-generational workplace,” said Neil Ringel, executive vice president, Staples Business Advantage, North America. “To attract and retain top talent, organizations must be aware of what each generation uniquely needs to be happy and productive.”

It’s particularly important for employers to be in tune with workers’ needs as the three most prevalent generations in the workplace today – Millennials, Gen X, and boomers – feel overworked and burned out. 50% of Millennials, 47% of Gen X, and 35% of Boomers say burnout is motivating them to look for another job. To improve burnout, boomers would like their employer to decrease their workload and provide more time to complete tasks, while Gen X and Millennials are aligned and looking for a more flexible schedule and work-life blend.

Motivation and Inspiration
While boomers are most motivated by having a sense of purpose at work, followed by salary, Gen X and Millennials both rank salary as their top motivator. Up next for Gen X was a sense of purpose, while Millennials listed passion as number two.

The ability to work from home is crucial for Millennials, as they’re most inspired to work in the comforts of their home. However, Millennials are outliers in this aspect, as Gen X and boomers prefer a traditional workplace and are most inspired at their desk in the office.

Physical Office Space and Design
Aesthetics in the office are key to workers regardless of age, as 51% of Millennials, 44% of Gen X and 33% of Boomers would like to see more attention paid to office design in their workplace.

All three generations agree that they’re most interested in natural light in the office. Other top design features that interest boomers and Gen X are private spaces and ergonomic furniture, while Millennials are particularly interested in standing desks and lounge areas.

Additionally, boomers and Gen X prefer fully enclosed office spaces or cubicles, while Millennials prefer open floor plans. Employers should factor this into office design plans so the workplace caters to everyone’s needs and promotes productivity. Flexible spaces appear to be key to meeting all expectations.

Wellness and Productivity
70% of Millennials, 62% of Gen X and 51% of boomers say the availability of a wellness program is a selling point when looking for a new job.

In a wellness program, boomers are first looking for ergonomic furniture and supplies, followed by fresh food and an on-site gym. Gen X and Millennials prioritize fresh foods, then on-site gyms and fitness tracking wearable devices.

Millennials, Gen X and boomers all agree they can’t get up from their desks to take a break because they have too much work to do. However, nearly 80% of each generation agrees that taking a break makes them feel more productive throughout the day. Employers can encourage workers to take breaks by providing comfortable breakrooms fully stocked with snacks and drinks so employees can relax and recharge.

“It’s promising that all generations said they think working in a five generation workplace is more fun, creative, inspiring, trusting and fosters an environment of learning,” said Jacob Morgan, best-selling author of The Future of Work, futurist and co-founder of the Future of Work Community. “Managing five generations poses a challenge for employers, and as Gen Z continues to enter the workplace in larger numbers, it’s critical for organizations to ensure they understand their workforce’s needs.”

Methodology
The Staples Business Advantage 2016 Workplace Index was conducted online among 3,105 employees in the U.S. (936 were classified as general officer workers and 1,059 as business decision makers) and Canada (468 general office workers and 642 decision makers) by Morar Consulting in March 2016. This survey has a margin of error of +/- 1.8% at 95% confidence limits.