There are 80 million young adults in the U.S. today who were born between 1976 and 2001. This group is commonly known as the millennial generation. And, as baby boomers continue to retire from the workplace, millennials are taking their place. It’s estimated that by 2020, millennials will comprise 46 percent of the U.S. workforce. The transition has many future-minded employers looking for new ways to attract top new talent.

Multiple studies have been conducted to determine millennials’ most wanted career qualities. Findings include:

  • 88% prefer an office culture that encourages collaboration
  • 74% insist on a flexible work schedule.
  • When asked where they’d prefer to work, not surprisingly they mention Google first, Apple second and third, for themselves.
  • The majority also noted they prefer work spaces that promote collaboration.

This presents some problems for aging office buildings that commonly feature many smaller rooms. But there are options that appeal to both millennials’ preference for open concept workspaces and boomers’ needs for more quiet space.