Office design for the multi‐generational knowledge workforce

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact the workplace can have on knowledge working for a multi‐generational workforce.Design/methodology/approachA case study analysis is undertaken of Leeds City Council (LCC) workplace in the UK.FindingsThe findings from the study show that in the context of LCC there are some key differences between the generations regarding knowledge working preferences for formal/informal meeting spaces. In other aspects, such as knowledge sharing, the generations appear to agree on key aspects such as mentoring and team‐based working environments.Practical implicationsCorporate real estate managers can use the research findings to assist them in providing a range of workplace settings to enhance multi‐generational interaction.Originality/valueThis paper fills a gap in current research by evaluating workplace preferences based on generational differences.