Most people use the word “vibes” to describe their feelings: poll

Tired of hearing the word “vibes” everywhere? Don’t blame Gen Z alone – millennials also have the blame for using them.

That’s just one finding from a survey of 3,000 North Americans, split evenly by generation. The aim was to find out what impacts could be affecting how different population groups interact with office spaces and other local businesses such as restaurants, cafes, hotels and more.

While 18-26 year olds are the most likely to use the word “vibes” to describe how a place feels (48%), 27-42 year olds are not far behind (47%) – and even surpassed it their Gen Z counterparts in the United States (47% vs. 42%).

In both countries combined, this is almost twice as much as for baby boomers aged 59 to 77 (22%).

Even if they don’t use the word themselves, “vibes” can have an immediate impact on a commercial space’s success, as more than one in three respondents (45%) said it took them less than ten minutes to figure out how one works for them feels a new place.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of ambiusThe survey also found that regardless of age, 83% of respondents felt they were more likely to return to a company after experiencing a good vibe there.

Likewise, 82% of respondents were less likely to return to a company after experiencing bad vibes there.

After a bad experience, more than a third (35%) said they would actively discourage others from going too — including more Millennials (40%) than any other generation and more US respondents (36%) than Canadians (30%).

Now, 42% of all Generation Zers (aged 18-26) would simply never go back.

When asked what would make them come back despite the failed “vibe check,” respondents were equally likely to say an improved atmosphere (54%) and better service (54%) – suggesting that the atmosphere can be just as effective as good customer interactions in some cases.

“A well-appointed space doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be up to date with the latest design trends,” said Lorri MacHarg, President of Ambius. “It signals to visitors that you care not only about the space itself, but also about the experience of the occupants, giving them a greater incentive to engage with your business.”

Although 19% of respondents cited trendy design as an indicator of “good vibes”, even more chose cleanliness (53%), windows (32%) and “good smells” (31%).

Speaking of “unpleasant smells,” respondents (53%) were the biggest indicator of bad mood, along with dirty environments (41%) and dead or unkempt plants (32%).

And while design trends can fluctuate, survey respondents said nature-inspired designs, such as decorative plants (33%) and wood features (32%), exuded the best vibes overall.

“Ideally, plants should be more than just a design decision, because they add more than just a touch of color and life to a space,” says Lorri MacHarg.

“Plants, especially green walls, have some ability to remove pollutants and reduce carbon dioxide in the air, which can have a positive impact on fatigue, focus and productivity. Other benefits of plants may include increasing mental well-being and well-being. They are also valued for their mental health effects, as it has been found that being among plants can reduce stress.”

The 10 most important things for a good mood

1. Cleanliness – (53%)
2. Windows – (32%)
3. Good smells – (31%)
4. Tranquil Atmosphere – (25%)
5. Music playback – (24%)
6. Trendy design – (19%)
7. High ceilings – (18%)
8. Plants or green space – (16%)
9. Comfortable temperature – (16%)
10. Plenty of Seating – (16%)

The five most important indicators of bad mood

1. Unpleasant odors – (53%)
2. Dirty Environment – (41%)
3. Too cold or too hot – (37%)
4. No windows – (33%)
5. Dead or unkempt plants and foliage – (32%)