Page 2 / News, Trends, Gossip and Stuff To Do : Express Yourself : Make a Memo: Act Your Age, Not Your Office Space

Some analysts believe your work-space needs can be predicted by your age group.

Agree with Type A, and you were probably born before 1960. If you’re Type B, you have not yet reached age 40.

So say the “Career Strategies” studies of Marilyn Moats Kennedy from which the data have been adapted. Mike Short, design director of Sauder Woodworking, an office-furniture supplier, sent out the info to get shoppers to think about their purchases.

The results indicate that boomers and their elders are more likely to pull up a chair and talk to a colleague face to face; younger workers are happy to e-mail all day from a closet.

Behavioral psychologists are studying the differences. Meantime, think before you make eye contact. It could date you.

TYPE A

My desk and I are center stage.

I want an unobstructed view.

I want nice furniture spread around.

I appreciate details like moldings.

Give me space to display things.

Computers are clutter.

TYPE B

I can’t work without a computer.

Put me far from distractions.

Arrange everything at my fingertips.

My furniture should be linked.

I need lots of storage space.

No gewgaws. Streamline.