The numbers show it. And so do the conversations. Generation X is stuck in the middle. In “10 things Generation X won’t tell you” MarketWatch author Quentin Fottrell delivers a fairly thorough assessment of why Gen X is “poor, ignored and jaded.” Gen X numbers roughly half to two-thirds of its generational peers. Depending on whose statistics you use, there are about 49 million Xers compared to 75 million Boomers and 89 million Millennials. No wonder people aren’t paying as much attention anymore. But it’s more than that – Xers have been around a while. They were the thorn in… Read More
Categories: Generation X, Succession Planning, Work, WorkplaceCorporate foundations, social responsibility committees, paid volunteer days – these may seem like “nice to haves” to many business leaders. For Millennials in the workforce, however, they are increasingly important to overall interest in working for company and job satisfaction once employed. The 2014 Millennial Impact Report surveyed Millennials about their interests and expectations around cause-related work and charitable giving associated with the workplace. The results indicate that companies that put an emphasis on doing good are more likely to appeal to Millennial workers. It is not enough to give generously – underwriting a board chair position at the university… Read More
Categories: Advertising, Generation Y / Millennials, Succession PlanningWe are almost halfway through 2014, which means that in six short months every member of the Boomer generation will have turned 50. Orange is the new black, 50 is the new 40. So when the membership cards arrive in their mailboxes, these new AARP recruits will be welcomed with promotions aimed at enticing them to enjoy their later years with deals that are anything but old. New benefits include concert ticket deals with Live Nation, among other travel and entertainment-oriented options. In a recent Associated Piece, and AARP spokesperson confirmed this is a shift from as recently as just… Read More
Categories: Baby Boomers, Retirement, Succession PlanningGen Xers have long been jaded with the traditional corporate structure – hierarchies don’t sit well with this group that gives respect via personal interactions rather than at the command of an org chart. Still, the corporate world has its perks and Gen Xers were known to negotiate for them – flex time, company cell phones, telecommuting – these were the hallmarks of the generation. Today, studies indicate these perks may not be enough. According to the BBC, companies are increasingly focused on retention of Boomers and attracting Millennials, while Gen Xers are feeling left behind. Frustrated by a lack… Read More
Categories: Succession Planning, WorkplaceSecession planning is an important part of any organization’s business strategy, and the onslaught of Baby Boomers entering retirement has been woven into news reports for several years now. So why did a recent study by executive search firm Odgers Berndston find that nearly 60% of executives surveyed were unprepared for the change? Turns out they may be ignoring the cultural differences among the generations. That is, while they’ve identified who is leaving and are dutifully transferring business knowledge down the line, they may not be looking at the more subtle – but significant – differences in how each generation… Read More
Categories: Baby Boomers, Generations, Succession Planning