Debunking 3 Myths About Generational Differences in the Workplace

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Today’s workforce is more generationally diverse than ever before. In many organizations, four main age groups dominate: Gen Z (those in their 20s), Millennials (30s-early 40s), Gen X (late 40s–50s), and Baby Boomers (60+). For workplace designers and business leaders, the challenge has often been framed around generational differences: How do we design for such a wide range of needs? 

Gensler’s 2025 Global Workplace Survey — capturing the voices of over 16,000 office workers across 15 countries — reveals that while there are distinctions across age groups, there is also significant alignment, especially around what people want from the office and how they use it. 

Here, we explore three common myths about generational differences — and what the data tells us instead. 

Myth One: Each generation uses the office for different reasons. 

Across generations, workers cite the same top drivers for in-office work: the ability to focus, attend scheduled team meetings, socialize with colleagues, access technology, and sit with their teams. 

There are, however, some subtle distinctions: 

• Younger workers (ages 18–29) are more likely to prioritize professional development, which ranks among their top five reasons to come into the office — highlighting the importance of mentorship and learning in early career stages. 
• Older workers (in their 40s–60s) tend to emphasize access to specific spaces, tools, and senior leadership — resources that support their work but may be less visible to younger peers. 

Myth Two: Younger generations want a different workplace experience. 

While today’s workplaces are often described as businesslike or “corporate,” our research finds that employees across all age groups are seeking something different for the future: spaces that foster creativity, enhance well-being, and create a sense of connection. 

In fact, while 31% of workers describe their current office experience as a “business hub,” only 14% selected that as their ideal. Instead, workers of all generations are drawn to: 

• Nature retreat environments — spaces that feel connected to the outdoors and offer opportunities for restoration. 
• Creative labs — flexible, energetic spaces that spark imagination and experimentation. 

Myth Three: Generational preferences are globally consistent.

While generational trends appear relatively consistent across geographies, differences emerge within countries. Local culture, business norms, and societal expectations all influence how people perceive the workplace — and what they value most in it.

• In Japan, Germany, and Saudi Arabia, older generations (ages 40–59) continue to prioritize the structure and professionalism of business-like settings.  
• In Australia and the UAE, nature retreat experiences appeal across generations, signaling a growing desire for well-being and outdoor connection. 
• In Costa Rica, older respondents are drawn to residential spaces that feel home-like and personal, while in Germany, this is true for younger respondents. 

Designing for all generations 

For years, organizations have focused their workplace strategies on the expectations of the youngest generation entering the workforce. While that remains important, today’s data shows that generational differences are narrowing, and that designing for inclusion means looking across the entire talent spectrum. 

The workplace of the future isn’t defined by age, but by experience. It’s about creating environments that allow each person, regardless of generation, to thrive — individually and collectively. 

More stats and stories you need to know.  

• Learn more about changing workforce expectations and how we need to think differently about the workplace. 
• Discover why the next big generation at work may not be who you think.  
• Explore the new workplace experiences that people crave.  

Written by Janet Pogue McLaurin, Global Director of Workplace Research at Gensler 

Join the conversation. How have your workplace needs evolved over your career? What is your favorite part about your current office experience?  

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