Game on: How one generation is changing the face of business
Posted On April 15, 2014
This is fascinating. We all know that technology has drastically impacted the daily workings of the business world. And we know the stereotype of today’s youth walking around with faces and fingers glued to some kind of mobile device or game system. Businesses are taking note. According to Gartner, by the end of this year (2014), a full 70 percent of Forbes global 2000 will be using some sort of gamification (an app or other software that uses game theory to influence behavior). This is up from only 20 percent in 2012 – a significant change in two short years…. Read More
Categories: Blog, Generation Y / Millennials, Training Industry, Work, Workplace
Are millennial women more optimistic about their career prospects?
Posted On April 10, 2014
Possibly not. While my work focuses primarily on generational differences, not gender one, this Chicago Business story about getting more women into the c-suite piqued my interest. Would the optimistic nature of the Millenial generation translate to greater belief in their ability to break the glass ceiling? According to a Pew Research study cited in the article, 62 percent of Millennial women surveyed assumed that having children would make it harder to advance in their careers. Seems the times are not changing as much as many had hoped. Yet, I can’t help but think that while Millennial women may not… Read More
Categories: Blog, Generation Y / Millennials, Women, Workplace
Coworker preferences – where gender and generation collide
Posted On March 18, 2014
In December, the Pew Research Center released the results of a snap survey that asked whether individuals preferred to work with male or female co-workers. Whether politically correct or simply honest, the overwhelming majority (77%) expressed no preference. However, of those that did express a preference, males and females both stated a preference for working with males. But then they dug deeper and analyzed the responses by generation… Interestingly, the survey indicated that Millennials are “significantly less likely to prefer working with male coworkers than other generations.” And Millennial men are nearly twice as likely to prefer working with mostly… Read More
Categories: Baby Boomers, Blog, Generation Y / Millennials, Work, Workplace
Who’s the boss? Or rather, who wants to be the boss?
Posted On March 13, 2014
That’s the question the Pew Research Center asked recently. And the answer is, the kids. Millennials want to be the boss, Gen Xers are split, and Boomers say, no thanks. More scientifically, 32% of Boomer, 58% of Gen Xers and 70% of Millennials males (and 21%, 41% and 61%, respectively for females) want to be the boss. That may or may not come as a surprise to you. Often those with the least power are most hungry for it, and those in power better understand the burden. So, from a generational and age perspective it makes sense that the youngest… Read More
Categories: Baby Boomers, Blog, WorkplaceBelieve it or not, your employees want to be engaged in their work
Posted On October 24, 2013
As much as it is maligned, the whole concept of “go out and find a job that makes you happy” may not be such a bad thing after all. Yes, it is possible that seeking happiness may make a person perpetually dissatisfied, as if there is always likely to be something better around the next bend. However, there are layers of happiness that can come with simple things, such as career accomplishments. And it seems this is where some companies are missing the boat. In a recent Workplace Insights study by Accounting Principals, hiring managers shared that while they know… Read More
Categories: Generations, WorkplaceThe plight of the Millennial
Posted On October 22, 2013
The delay of adulthood, or extended adolescence, is a well-documented reality and in most discussions a great deal of blame is placed at the feet of parents hover and enable, creating an almost co-dependency. And while there is certainly some truth to that, good old fashioned economics are also to blame—at least for the Millennials. Throughout history, college graduates had a reasonably expectation of solid professional employment upon graduating with a four-year degree. College debt was significantly less than it is today. And while the cultural belief that college is a prerequisite for just about any career path is still… Read More
Categories: WorkplaceGeneration X: Time to shine?
Posted On October 17, 2013
Once maligned as slackers and cynics, Gen Xers are coming into their own in the business world. A recent EY study, reported in Business Week, shows that not only do Xers think they are in position to be the best business leaders right now—their Millennial and Boomer counterparts agree. In fact, Xers were specifically applauded for being the generation least likely to be cynical and condescending. As the article points out however, there is still a grey cloud to go with the silver lining. Generation X may be the best fit for the leadership role for the moment, but this… Read More
Categories: WorkplaceWill Millennials be intolerant employees? Could that be a good thing?
Posted On October 10, 2013
Millennials bring to the workplace a certain amount of self-righteousness. They’ve had the participation trophies; they tend to be very philanthropic and altruistic; they are typically more socially open-minded. And they don’t have any delusions that the job they take fresh out of school is the one they will retire from 40 years later. Will that combination of traits make Millennial less tolerant of bad work environments? And if so, will that make companies have to deal with unsavory situations more than they’ve maybe done in the past? Will Dilbert need to find a new schtick? That is the argument… Read More
Categories: WorkplaceGenerational differences must be accommodated to ensure optimal employee engagement
Posted On October 8, 2013
A new survey by Ceridian, reported in MarketWatch, highlights the changing expectations and desires of the different generations in the workplace. The results demonstrate that generational perspectives have a very real impact on the way employees engage with your business. Understanding and adapting to the generational difference can make a difference in the employee engagement, job satisfaction and company loyalty. According to the survey, non-monetary rewards are extremely important to the youngest generations. While salary certainly counts, 64% of respondents overall and 70% of Millennials wanted to see their companies offer perks such as free personal days, free food and… Read More
Categories: Generations, WorkplaceGen X finally gets its due
Posted On September 24, 2013
After famously getting slapped with the “slacker” label early on, Generation X may have finally had its come-uppance. A FOXBusiness headline recently labeled Gen X “best” – yes, best. Now, to be fair, the context of the label was in determining the comfort and appropriateness of younger generations taking leadership roles and having older employees as direct reports. In other words, Boomers are more okay with Gen X bosses than they are with Millennial ones. This makes sense from a pure “need to earn your way/pay your dues” mentality and just generally more comfortable not taking orders from someone young… Read More
Categories: Workplace