Global Survey to Explore Gen Y's Ideal Workplace
Johnson Controls and Haworth Inc., respective leaders in facility management and office furniture and adaptable workspaces, launched a research project named OXYGENZ on March 7. It will be a global survey of Generation Y individuals (18-25-year-olds) to understand their preferences for their future workplaces. The survey was developed by Johnson Controls' Global Workplace Solutions business in partnership with Haworth.
OXYGENZ (www.oxygenz.com) is sponsored and supported by companies including the BBC, BP, and Cisco, all of which want to understand young people's choices on a global scale. OXYGENZ will investigate how, where, and when young people want to work. This information will be of great value in an increasingly competitive marketplace, according to Milwaukee-based Johnson Controls, which manages more than 1 billion square feet of facilities space worldwide and says that it has the largest global real estate and facilities management business.
"For the first time ever, four generations are working side by side. As the baby boomers of the 1950s start to retire, businesses are facing a fundamental shortfall in talent. Providing a stimulating working environment is going to be a key factor in the war for future talent," said Guy Holden, vice president and general manager of Johnson Controls Global WorkPlace Solutions. "The OXYGENZ survey is one of the biggest research projects our innovation team has undertaken, and it is also one of the most exciting. The knowledge gained from the survey will play an important role in helping us advise our clients on preparing their workplaces to attract Generation Y and support their long-term business success, as well as furthering our vision to create a more comfortable, safe, and sustainable world."
"We are delighted to be a research partner with Johnson Controls on this global study and intrigued with the possible design and cultural implications," agreed Kate North, global director of Ideation for Haworth. "This research will provide Haworth and our client's meaningful insights as they begin to leverage the workplace as a competitive and strategic recruitment tool, especially when aligned with technology and sustainability initiatives. Generational research cannot be ignored for effective business planning. The global reach of this research project, and the involvement of international partners, will guarantee new knowledge."
To disseminate the survey, Johnson Controls said it has linked with the University of Central London in the UK, Cornell University in the United States, Thammasat University in Thailand, University Paris La Vilette in France, The Hague University in The Netherlands, Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research in Mumbai, India, and Fraunhofer University in Germany. Johnson Controls and Haworth are developing links with other institutions to promote OXYGENZ across all continents, the Milwaukee company said.
Haworth, based in Holland, Mich., designs and manufactures raised access floors, moveable walls, systems furniture, seating, storage, and wood case goods.