A recent article indicates that Gen Y is not lazy, non- engaged or unwilling to show up early. In fact they are just like everybody else.
The generational differences has caused much discussion and organizations are recognizing that their is discord amongst their teams. The generation bandwagon is relevant because of the demographics- there are less younger people to fill the current number of job filled by baby boomers.
However- in my opinion what has really happened is that the increasing use of technology has created ’skills’ divide in the workplace. The latest research shows that boomers are rapidly arriving at the same technical aptitude of their Gen Y counterparts.
The technological influx has caused the realization that ‘we really should all get along with each other’. In reality what the current generational challenge offers us is the opportunity to look at how we can structure our workplace to be a workplace of choice for all generations.
Here are the 3 things that ALL the generations want at work:
1. Good leadership. Period. Everyone wants skilled and trained leaders who know what is needed to get the work done and in addition have developed the high level skills of knowing people, motivating people and is solution oriented.
2. Fair policies for work/life balance. Gen Y has grown up watching their Gen X and boomer parents work their tails off and they did not see a lot of balance. Just like any of us who vow to not be like our parents Gen Y has an ingrained ‘knowing’ that all work and no play makes for boredom, loss of interest and lack of growth. We all want to have a life and boomer recognize that they are tired.
3. Career path outlines. Regardless of generation we all want to know ‘where are we going?’. Recently a close friend had three job offers in the insurance industry- the offer she chose was with the company who clearly set out her career path within an eighteen month period. It doesnt matter how old you are- you want to know what the potential is in your work and you want to know how you will be recognized.
We really are more alike than we are different. There are boomers who are lazy, and there are Gen Y’s who are up at 5:00 am to work at Starbucks and there are Gen X who are having their families and adjusting to being working parents. We really arent so different after all.