Are the millenials actually asking for open offices? I think you're projecting a lot, and making pretty unfounded statements.
I don't know a single person IRL who prefers them that works as a software engineer.
Finally - I've never been hired somewhere that actually let me decide on my office format. I've been places that asked, but none have ever actually given me what I asked for.
I find no shortage of young engineers who’ve never experienced offices expressing a strong preference for open plan working arrangements. Sure it’s not all of them, but it’s a significant amount. Everywhere I’ve worked, if/when the topic of office layout redesign or move has arisen, the young folks desires for “bull pens” or big shared desks or similar has always won out.
I think popular culture has almost made the open plan office aspirational for some too, which is kind of hilarious.
I've heard very few entry-level developers complain about them and many say they like that someone's always around to answer questions. I don't think that's because of helicopter parents, though.
I don't know a single person IRL who prefers them that works as a software engineer.
Finally - I've never been hired somewhere that actually let me decide on my office format. I've been places that asked, but none have ever actually given me what I asked for.