Closing the `Generation Gap' at Work

I have to admit being somewhat amused with the cross-generation sneering match I sometimes see between Generation Y (aka, the Millennials) and the Baby Boomers when it comes to work. While the former are largely trying to find their way in the workplace, they tend to butt heads with the latter, the ones who are running much of corporate America today.

For instance, close to 20% of North American companies polled in a recent survey say it's hard to reach Millennials, more than twice as hard to reach other demographic groups, such as women, the physically challenged, and major ethnic groups. From my vantage point as a commentator on workplace issues, plus the fact that I work with quite a few Gen Ys, the solution comes down to understanding and empathy, mainly on the part of the Boomers.

Gen Y may like to march to its own beat, but it's we Boomers who have encouraged that! You might respond with "Really?!?" Yes, really! As we reared our children, many of us instilled in them the notion that they could accomplish anything they put their mind to accomplishing, as well as to stand up for themselves and realize that they had something positive to contribute to society. But in the workplace, Gen Y sees our Boomer brethren acting differently, especially in companies that value (read: demand) long hours and dedication to the job.

But Gen Y isn't stupid. In fact, I believe they're smarter and savvier than we would like to give them credit for. If they know they can improve their work lot elsewhere, they will. That's why they're more apt to change jobs more frequently, unlike our generation and our parents'. That's why they're more likely than we are to value their leisure time.

And it's why we need to recognize that and re-engineer our workplaces if we are to enjoy business success. Gen Y is not made up of inmates who want to run the asylum; they represent a new order that could well make revolutionary changes in the workforce as we move further into this century.

If you're a Baby Boomer or part of Gen Y, how do you see this generational clash playing out in the workplace. I invite you to share your perspectives.