Workspace: Learning and Mentoring
Research suggests that younger workers, particularly Gen Y (born 1979 through 1997) are more interested
in learning from their peers and more experienced workers than are older employees (Becker, 2000; Wymer,
2008). Thus, the workspace should be designed to support learning and encourage mentoring opportunities.
The current practice of locating more experienced staff in enclosed private offices, while increasing their comfort
level, could reduce learning and development opportunities for younger employees. While potentially increasing
the comfort level of older workers reliant on private offices, this approach also carries the risk of allowing older
workers’ skills and development to atrophy if they lose the benefit of being pushed by younger staff to learn new
skills and think in new ways about problems.
Cost and Strategic Implications
Today’s workplace is characterized by high churn rates, a desire for high density, workers with different levels
of mobility and work styles, and a sophisticated technology infrastructure. All of these are conditions that are
addressed by open plan furniture solutions in a more cost effective manner than hardwall
interiors. Through the years, many organizations have demonstrated the business
value of investing in open plan systems products because they greatly reduce the cost
of change. Now, open plan offices can positively impact organizations in a broader
manner by aiding strategic business issues such as attraction and retention, support
for mobility and other needs related to high performing workers (Venezia and Allee,
2007). Other research suggests a shift by leading edge companies from a primarily
“cost perspective” to a view in which the workspace is positioned as an investment in employee performance
(O’Neill, 2007; Vischer, 1996).