When was the last time you reevaluated your office culture and workspace environment? Perhaps there have been multiple systems in place, and each person is doing it differently. If you haven't checked lately, it's time to reevaluate. To attract the best of the next generation, your company better be offering more than just a paycheck.To be successful in the future, at times, it is necessary to take a step back, look at what you've already created, and ask yourself if there's a new way to do it. Change is necessary, and it's coming whether you like it or not. It’s coming in many different forms: technology, workflows, office design, work/life balance, and definitely in the workforce.

Millennials currently represent a large part of the current and upcoming workforce and will have the largest impact on the workplace.

The next generation of workers is thinking beyond their monetary gain. They are flocking to spaces that spark collaboration, creativity, mobility, technology and wellness, to name a few. They want to feel like they are a part of something, not just a cog in the wheel and be a part of the change. If you're thinking it, most likely, the next generation wants it, and you better have it if you want them to stay.

According to a study by PwC, there are several key learnings about the next generation of workers to keep in mind:

• They want greater flexibility at work.
• They are seeking a strong, cohesive, team-oriented culture at work and opportunities for interesting work.
• They want to be supported, and they want to be appreciated.

What does this mean?

The millennial generation truly values their work/life balance and they will keep moving to find the perfect fit.

The office workspace for the next generation must bring more to the table. They are looking for sustainability and high performance, a concern for wellness, flexibility and opportunities to share space to collaborate and fuel teamwork. It should be a space that impacts culture and performance. Millennials don't believe productivity should be measured by the number of hours you're putting in at the office, but by the output of work being performed. They're looking for more flexibility and are willing to give up pay and promotions to get it!

There's a high priority on workplace culture and office design. Office space designs have already changed over the years. Many offices now include lobbies, high ceilings, open plans, gyms, coffee bars, etc. Commercial landlords are even offering amenities to their tenants such as online communication platforms, discounts, delivery services and invitations to local events. These added features/perks offer more than just a cup of coffee or cycling opportunity, it's about coworking your office space and giving your team members a chance to say, "this day was awesome"! This is essential to their workplace happiness.

Employers have to shift the focus to offer more than their competitors to attract the next generation of workers and implement the systems now. The next generation is more motivated by advancement opportunities, flexibility, a fast-paced technology driven environment, and more face-to-face communication.

Millennials want to feel that they are constantly learning and growing. With the age of the internet and a wealth of information just a few clicks away, this group is actively searching and has a vibrant yearning to learn - this is the same in the workplace. We should offer new ways to learn the business that you are in and not just the role you are in. Just like any team sport, if the team doesn’t understand the goal - it’s impossible to achieve success.

What will you do, what will you change, and what will it take to attract and keep the very best?

Thoughts welcome!