Generational conflict has been a workplace staple for decades; however, in these daunting financial times the philosophical clash between Generation Y and Baby Boomers is palpable.
Nearly 25 percent of human resources professionals report generational conflict in the workplace, according to a recent Society for Human Resource Management poll.
The root of this conflict? Each group has its own set of work-life values. Boomers are described as being obsessed with work and autonomy, while Millennials desire flexible work schedules and want to work collaboratively.
Nearly 50 percent of younger workers view their more senior supervisors as micromanagers who are resistant to change. One in three older workers complain that junior employees are too informal, need supervision, and lack respect for authority. And then there’s the technology issue. Four in 10 Boomers think Millennials are too reliant on technology and are prone to use it inappropriately, while one in three Millennials think Boomers have an aversion to technology.
The current economic climate is doing nothing to help mitigate this generational conflict. Ill prepared for retirement, Boomers are staying in the workforce longer and Millennials see this as a roadblock to their professional advancement.
Generational experts caution that companies shouldn’t assume that a weak financial state will force everyone to stay put. Trudy Steinfeld, the executive director of New York University Wasserman Center for Career Development, cautions that even in a tough job market, Millennials will not stay at a company if they’re not happy.
Read more at The Fiscal Times.
