Posts Tagged ‘Generations at Work’

Today’s Millennial Generation: A Look Ahead To The Future They Create

May 1st, 2009 in Trends    No Comments

The Millennial generation [now approximately ages 8-27] is the first generation to grow up with technology fully integrated into their lives, from cell phones, computers and the Internet to My Space and Facebook and videogames. This article expects computerized clothing to be the next step in making computers and other electronic devices portable without strapping things to our body or filling our pockets with gadgets. In Europe, notes the author, Levi is already testing marketing musical jackets developed by MIT Media Lab, with IBM, Philips, Nike and SensaTex close on their heels. (more…)

The Multigenerational Workforce: Opportunity For Competitive Success

March 31st, 2009 in Office Management, Trends    No Comments

Demographic and social trends have had a significant impact on our workforce. For the first time in history we have four generations working side-by-side in many organizations – Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gereration X and Millennials/Generation Y. Each brings different experiences, perspectives, expectations and behaviors to the workplace. The differing views and potential conflicts inherent in the much written about “generation gaps” between these groups are discussed but the author believes that they pale in comparison to the opportunity to create real competitive advantage by effectively managing and capitalizing on the strengths of each. (more…)

Office Space Expectations Change with the Times

September 18th, 2007 in Design    No Comments

What To Consider When Designing Work Spaces For Different Generations

This article addresses the changing needs of office employees based on generational differences.  Workplace furniture manufacturers are increasingly suggesting that “executives need to take the different generations of workers into account when designing workspaces.”  Baby Boomers tend to expect more of a quiet environment and status indicators, contrasted with the youngest workers who are used to more collaboration and technology.

The author explores concepts such as hoteling, open floor plans, and spontaneous collaboration and the ways in which offices must accommodate multiple generations.

Source: Amy Schurr, Network World; Sep 18, 2007

Democracy in the Workplace

August 23rd, 2006 in Trends    No Comments

Readers are warned that business leaders face a new wave of workers who want to be actively engaged and contributing forces in the marketplace.  This demand for engagement is attributed to five trends:

  • Technology, the Internet and a leveling of the playing field by MySpace, Wikipedia.com and blogs;
  • A backlash against the greed of Enron;
  • The success of political democracy throughout the world;
  • The arrival of Generations X and Y who expect to have a voice at work; and
  • The search for meaning at work as MegaTrends 2010 calls the “search for meaning” the number one megatrend of our time.  This article declares that this democratic age will result in a democratic approach to business.

Source: Traci Fenton, The Christian Science Monitor (Boston); Aug 23, 2006