TROY, MI--(Marketwire - August 26, 2009) - Differences in communication style and attitudes
toward rewards are key factors managers should address in juggling the
needs of the three main generations in the American workplace, Gen Y (aged
18-29), Gen X (aged 30-47), and baby boomers (aged 48-65), according to the
latest findings from an international workplace survey.
The survey, by global workforce solutions leader Kelly Services, finds that
younger generations are increasingly using instant messaging, but in a
business context, all generations overwhelmingly prefer face-to-face
communications. When asked about rewards and bonuses, Gen Y prefers
monetary rewards while older generations including Gen X and baby boomers
lean towards non-cash rewards such as time off work or training
opportunities.
The Kelly Global Workforce Index obtained the views of nearly 100,000
people in 34 countries including more than 13,000 in the United States.
Kelly Services Executive Vice President and General Manager, Mike Webster,
says that generational differences can sometimes cause friction between
employees, but may not be as difficult to manage as is often imagined.
"A range of views and opinions from different perspectives is more likely
to produce creative and innovative approaches. It is worth recognizing the
differences in people's needs at different stages of their life and career
in order to best manage a range of age groups in today's workplace,"
Webster says.
There is acknowledgement across the spectrum that age-related differences
do impact the way people go about their work, and 72 percent say they adapt
their communication style in dealing with colleagues from a different
generation.
Key findings from across U.S. regions and generations shows:
-- Workers in the South are the most positive about the workplace
benefits of generational differences, and those in the Midwest, the least;
-- Respondents in the Northeast are the most concerned at the way they
are being managed and rewarded;
-- In the West, the greatest incidence of generational conflict in the
workplace occurs among Gen X;
-- In communicating with colleagues, all generations prefer face-to-face
discussion over written or electronic communication;
-- Baby boomers are the most positive of all the generations about the
productivity benefits of generational diversity;
-- Gen Y is more likely than other generations to adapt its communication
style in dealing with colleagues from another generation.
The survey also finds that 39 percent of U.S. respondents say the
differences between Gen Y, Gen X and baby boomers make the workplace more
productive, while 22 percent say they interfere with productivity and 26
percent say they make no difference.
Webster says it is important that employers recognize and effectively
manage the key differences between generations in order to achieve a
harmonious balance and a productive work environment.
"Managers who can juggle the generational differences and harness the
benefits will have a great advantage over their competition, " Webster
concludes.
About the Kelly Global Workforce Index
The Kelly Global Workforce Index is a survey revealing opinions about work
and the workplace from a generational viewpoint. Results of the current
findings from across Kelly's global operations in North America, Europe,
and the Asia Pacific will be published throughout 2009 in a series of six
releases.
About Kelly Services
Kelly Services, Inc. (
NASDAQ:
KELYA) (
NASDAQ:
KELYB) is a world leader in
workforce management services and human resources solutions. Kelly offers
a comprehensive array of temporary staffing, permanent placement,
outsourcing, and consulting services. Kelly serves clients around the
globe and provides employment to 650,000 employees annually. Revenue in
2008 was $5.5 billion. Visit
www.kellyservices.com.
Contact Information: Media contact:
Judith Clark
Kelly Services
(248) 244-5362
judith_clark@kellyservices.com