September 2009 - Generational Differences Create Workplace Challenges and Opportunities
Just don’t understand ‘the kids’ at work these days, or have trouble relating to ‘the oldies’ in the office?
Well, you’re not alone – with almost half of New Zealand’s employees experiencing intergenerational conflict at work, according to the latest findings from an international workplace survey.
The Kelly Global Workforce Index surveyed almost 100,000 people in 34 countries, including over 3,000 in New Zealand. At 47%, the survey put New Zealand alongside Australia, India and Hong Kong in levels of intergenerational conflict at work, with Turkey – where two-thirds of employees report workplace conflict between the generations – the highest, and Russia, with only 17 percent, the lowest.
Kelly Services Director – Service Operations Wendy Hewson says the survey highlights that generational differences can cause friction in the workplace – but they can also be a source of growth and development.
“The Kelly survey also finds that less than a quarter of New Zealand respondents say the differences between Gen Y, Gen X and baby boomers interfere with productivity, while 43 percent say that they make the workplace more productive, and 21 percent say they make no difference,” says Wendy Hewson.
“When the differences between the age groups are harnessed effectively, they can provide a powerful stimulus to creativity and productivity. Rather than trying to smother this diversity, good employers are using it to generate fresh ideas and new ways of doing business.”
Wendy Hewson says differences in communication styles, attitudes and motivations are key factors employers should recognise when juggling the needs of the three main generations in the New Zealand workplace, Gen Y (aged 18-29), Gen X (aged 30-47), and baby boomers (aged 48-65).
“In particular, the survey identified some distinct differences in the ways generations like to be rewarded,” says Wendy Hewson.
According to the survey, when receiving rewards and bonuses, many older workers like non-cash items such as time off work and training opportunities, while Gen Y has a clear preference for monetary rewards.
“And despite the explosion of new communication technologies, and the advent of a range of social media formats, the survey overwhelmingly demonstrated that people still prefer to meet and talk face-to-face in the workplace – perhaps dispelling some of the myths about technology replacing more direct communication at work, particularly for younger people,” says Wendy Hewson.
Almost 85 percent of the survey’s respondents indicated a preference for face-to-face discussion when communicating with colleagues and co-workers. Gen Y employees were the largest users of instant messaging and text to communicate at work, but with only a small number – 3 percent – indicating this was their preferred method of communication.
“Perhaps not surprisingly, preference for face-to-face discussion was lowest in the IT industry – though still high at 77 percent.”
Despite their differences, employees are attempting to bridge the age gap, with 73 percent of the survey’s respondents reporting that they adapt their communication style when dealing with colleagues from a different generation.
“It’s important to recognise differences between age groups do exist in the workplace, and they have an impact on the way people go about their work,” says Wendy Hewson.
“Juggling these pressures is challenging, but by addressing issues such as compensation and internal communication amongst others, it is possible to reap the benefit from a diverse group of people, and generate conditions that can help organisations to be more productive.”
For further information, please contact:
Victoria Bennett Gerard Blank
Marketing Manager The Agency Communications Ltd
Kelly Services (New Zealand) Ltd Tel: +64 3 341 5841
Tel: +64 3 363 5322 Mob: 0275 243 629
Mob: 027 213 0613 Email: gerard@theagencynz.co.nz
Email: victoria_bennett@kellyservices.com
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 is now entering its 20th year in New Zealand, helping businesses around the country recruit, manage and retain the right people – at all levels.
Kelly offers temporary, contract and permanent staffing solutions for a range of industry sectors, including office, industrial, financial, scientific, engineering, human resources, executive management, contact centre and information technology. Kelly also provides a host of tailored business solutions, to provide expert support and assistance in all aspects of recruitment and workforce management.
Kelly Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: KELYA, 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.
