Kelly Services Says Communication Style and Rewards Critical to Managing Generational Differences in the Workplace
26 Agosto 2009 - 8:52PM
Marketwired
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.
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Media contact: Judith Clark Kelly Services (248) 244-5362
judith_clark@kellyservices.com
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