April 15, 2008
Column: Y’s and wherefores of a multi-generational workplace
Matthew was one of my favourite colleagues. In the slightly drab office where I used to work, the arrival of young Matt at the corner of my desk usually meant the chance to relax for a moment with a frivolous comment or laconic quip.
Matt didn’t really care, you see, and there was no obvious reason why he should have. A graduate, he spent a large part of the day fetching packages from the post room and filing papers. He was underemployed. We should have seen it coming, I suppose, but one day he wasn’t there any more. Finished at 23, gone to find something better to do.
Continue reading Y’s and wherefores of a multi-generational workplace
I had a corporate career in HR before setting up my own business and have worked with about 300 large companies since then. I have sat through countless presentations telling me that the next generation will be different.
Personally, I think there are only two major differences
1. Age / life phase – its easy to be footloose and search for life balance when you haven’t got a mortgage and kids at school
2. Economic conditions - people are more choosy when they have more choice
I think there is a lot of value in understanding the underlying similarities and enduring principles.
Though it is fun to point out that young people today are not as good as we were! I seem to remember my Dad doing it.
Posted by: Kevan Hall | April 15th, 2008 at 4:12 pm | Report this comment