New Workers and the Workplace
Okay... so I keep hearing a lot of myths about this current generation of worker...
An article taken from entrepreneur.com entitled, "Gen Y Myths Debunked" as published in June of 2007 states the top three Myths used to describe this generation as being:
1. Disloyal
2. Don't want to pay their dues
3. Need constant praise
The article goes on to state that while these myths are based upon perceived attributes that categorize this current and emerging generation of worker, they are largely misinterpretations.
I personally believe that this is entirely the case. This newest generation of worker is used to using tools and technologies that most people who are doing the "perceiving", "writing", and "leading" have never even heard of. It is a new world of communication and truly a paradigm shift of interconnectivity that is defining this generation of worker.
New technology is formed by mashing up components of existing technologies. New platforms of communication provide much more opportunity. The truth is that this generation has grown up with technology and is used to working at a much faster pace. Multi-tasking is not something that requires thought, but rather inbred into the everday task.
A recent article from a week ago in CIO Magazine, "Generation Y in the Workplace" (Sept. 18, 2008) echoes my thoughts. This emerging generation of worker is poised and ready to contribute in ways that most companies are simply not prepared for.
As the myths are often misunderstood, I personally believe that this generation is not disloyal but looking for ways to contribute. It isn't about paying dues, but rather being able to recognize creativity and contribution. It isn't about needing constant praise, but having managers adjust from traditional practice.
Culture is the biggest battle that most of these entrenched companies face as they hire and integrate with this current generation of worker. It will require creative management and the ability to think outside of the box. A new set of tools, including social media, web 2.0 technologies, and virtual offerings must be embraced and incorporated into the current work environment. Multi-tasking must not only be encouraged, but must be inherent in the tools provided.
I believe that success is about leadership being able to understand how to motivate and how to lead in the 21st century. When companies truly embrace this new technology approach, this current generation of worker will become the most valuable and most productive generation ever seen. Companies must redefine!
Until companies take a proactive stance in embracing this most valuable generation of worker, they cannot expect anything but grief and frustration. Without adequate preparation, any company hiring a new generation employee will simply be hiring somebody with untold potential and unknowingly cutting off their arms and expecting them to work. Asking new generation employees to be productive in a culture that is not prepared for them is not only unfair to this generation, but bad business.
This generation is ready to embrace and contribute, and I for one encourage current leadership and executive committees to make the commitment and change necessary to move into this 21st century. Be prepared and be successful.
If you are a "new generation" person reading this blog entry, I encourage you to share your thoughts. Do you agree with my statements? And, in particular, what tools and cultural changes are necessary for you to fully contribute?
This is your forum to help companies prepare for your roar! Please do share...
An article taken from entrepreneur.com entitled, "Gen Y Myths Debunked" as published in June of 2007 states the top three Myths used to describe this generation as being:
1. Disloyal
2. Don't want to pay their dues
3. Need constant praise
The article goes on to state that while these myths are based upon perceived attributes that categorize this current and emerging generation of worker, they are largely misinterpretations.
I personally believe that this is entirely the case. This newest generation of worker is used to using tools and technologies that most people who are doing the "perceiving", "writing", and "leading" have never even heard of. It is a new world of communication and truly a paradigm shift of interconnectivity that is defining this generation of worker.
New technology is formed by mashing up components of existing technologies. New platforms of communication provide much more opportunity. The truth is that this generation has grown up with technology and is used to working at a much faster pace. Multi-tasking is not something that requires thought, but rather inbred into the everday task.
A recent article from a week ago in CIO Magazine, "Generation Y in the Workplace" (Sept. 18, 2008) echoes my thoughts. This emerging generation of worker is poised and ready to contribute in ways that most companies are simply not prepared for.
As the myths are often misunderstood, I personally believe that this generation is not disloyal but looking for ways to contribute. It isn't about paying dues, but rather being able to recognize creativity and contribution. It isn't about needing constant praise, but having managers adjust from traditional practice.
Culture is the biggest battle that most of these entrenched companies face as they hire and integrate with this current generation of worker. It will require creative management and the ability to think outside of the box. A new set of tools, including social media, web 2.0 technologies, and virtual offerings must be embraced and incorporated into the current work environment. Multi-tasking must not only be encouraged, but must be inherent in the tools provided.
I believe that success is about leadership being able to understand how to motivate and how to lead in the 21st century. When companies truly embrace this new technology approach, this current generation of worker will become the most valuable and most productive generation ever seen. Companies must redefine!
Until companies take a proactive stance in embracing this most valuable generation of worker, they cannot expect anything but grief and frustration. Without adequate preparation, any company hiring a new generation employee will simply be hiring somebody with untold potential and unknowingly cutting off their arms and expecting them to work. Asking new generation employees to be productive in a culture that is not prepared for them is not only unfair to this generation, but bad business.
This generation is ready to embrace and contribute, and I for one encourage current leadership and executive committees to make the commitment and change necessary to move into this 21st century. Be prepared and be successful.
If you are a "new generation" person reading this blog entry, I encourage you to share your thoughts. Do you agree with my statements? And, in particular, what tools and cultural changes are necessary for you to fully contribute?
This is your forum to help companies prepare for your roar! Please do share...
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Bart Campbell on -
I currently work for a company, and have worked for others, where it is not uncommon to hear people (finance people - go figure) yelling at each other and their employees on a regular basis. Any two-bit momma's boy (or daddy's girl) that isn't girded up with stronger stuff will be awash is a sea of aggression.
Personally, I don’t have time for shaggy headed ideologs that smell of patouli oil, wear macintosh shirts and vans everywhere they go - as they decide to impart upon me they mildly post adolescent postulations about "Things - Life _and Whatnot". My perspective is simple:
Create table @@Life
Select * into (@@Life) from dbo..tbl_experience
if
children <> null
then
Group by family,
order by need,
insert opinion,
if
children = null
and Spouse = null
Delete opinion,
The attitude of today’s worker is so irrelevant when compared to the level of need that his or her position supplies. While, it is true that today’s worker is different. They are, by enlarge, a group that is far more used to being coddled, nursed, and helped along. If you took the work ethic of a WWII factory worker and inserted into the technically savvy employee of today, the cost effectiveness of outsourcing all of our industry to other countries would be completely overshadowed by productivity.
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