Comments
I am a seventy-three year old woman who retired less than a year ago from a long career in nursing. My comment is, "look out America, if the young people I know are left to make our decisions for us, we are in for a rough ride."
Posted by: Loretta R. Short | December 14, 2006 11:50 PM
The issue of flexibilty in the workplace has been a topic of conversation between my parents and I. I do believe that with technology you are able to work from many places these days. I value my life away from work as well and don't believe that everything has to happen between 8-6pm (in one particular place)as long as I'm responsible and reachable. I believe my generation has many outside interests outside of work. Now that work hours and commutes have gotten longer, it leaves you very little time to be part of any other life away from work. There have been many times growing up that I wish my parents could have worked less and been around more and 2 weeks vacation a year is nothing!
Posted by: Paula Thomas | December 15, 2006 12:05 AM
20-somethings in the U.S. are sending an important message to the rest of the U.S. workforce: work doesn't have to be an end in itself.
Posted by: Scott | December 15, 2006 12:34 AM
What were the companies featured in the dec 14 broadcast
Posted by: James | December 15, 2006 1:44 AM
I happen to catch the report during the Newshour this evening. This was the first report that I had seen - and now I am intrigued to find out more about the project. I also happen to be one of the older Generation Next members. I have been using the internet for over 10 years and I have had a computer in my house since I could count my age on less than 10 fingers. I agree with one of those who were interviewed that we are going away from the image of where we work and our image is now what WE do for us and not the company. This goes against the thoughts of our parents and grandparents who worked for the company and were proud of their company. In order for our generation to be successful, I feel that there needs to be a happy medium. We need to find a job/career that we enjoy, but we also need to have company loyalty. This seems to be something Deloitte. has realized and is addressing it through having a proactive approach in providing employees with career counselors and finding out why an employee is leaving their current company for a job that is comparable to those offered at their current employer. Our generation is in turn making our employers work with us to get the career we want to help the company thrive.
There was also a segment about vacation time and how new employees are assuming that it is acceptable to take vacation within the first few months of hire. I personally would have never thought otherwise. I don’t know that it is necessarily that we think we deserve it, but more that it is more readily accessible. Flights are more reasonably priced and vacation packages are everywhere. We also grew up going on vacations. We have just worked it in as a way of life, not necessarily a privilege the way our parents or grandparents might have thought of a vacation. With the ability to use the internet we are able to research a country or city and while doing the research there are ads on the sides of the websites promoting packages for that place. We love the internet, but we also want to experience everything, but still be connected to work if necessary. I technically work a 7:30 to 5 job, but I have access to my e-mail and voicemail anywhere in the world. This allows me to be on vacation, but also answer pressing questions when they come up and need an answer immediately. As part of who we are we are looking to integrate work as a part of our life and not let it define us. We are looking for flexibility to do the activities we currently do and to add additional value to our lives by working a career we feel successful at with possibly non-traditional times and methods. We are just asking for flexibility and being able to utilize the technology we have used the majority of our lives.
Posted by: Wendy | December 15, 2006 2:14 AM
The younger generation adds a great deal of value to all workplaces. They are mostly enthusiastic and willing to work hard to succeed. It is true that younger workers expect more from their employers than the generations in the past, such as more flexability and informal dress and interactions; however, I see no problem with adjusting the workplace to make room for some changes.
Posted by: Mary | December 15, 2006 2:40 AM
Since 1964 Germany, France, Britain, Canada and all of Scandinavia (now most of the civilized world, including NIPS) grant 6 weeks leave the minute you show up to start work. In addition, complete medical, workers' comp (at wage level) disablilty, retirement, etc. This is all on the Internet for all to see. My brother in law just went to work for a company in India for twice the wages of America (he is white, ango-saxon, Georgia Tech, engineer) with much better benefits-but he must move to Bangladore. Many friends have moved to China & Mexico. Globilization is here-education is cheaper and better in Europe and South America.
Posted by: Perry C. Abernethy | December 15, 2006 2:41 AM
PBS is censoring their blog!
Posted by: Perry C. Abernethy | December 15, 2006 2:43 AM
The 20 somethings that are entering the workforce should be considered the "Revolutionaries of US Industry".
They are creating a shockwave of change and demanding a more flexible workplace.
The European's understand the value of it's workers and profits take a backseat to humanity.
This generation is providing US industry a wake-up call to evolve into a like system.
This generation is demonstrating how to use technological tools for efficiency therefore increasing productivity. That's a good thing.
Isn't this the kind of progress that we have invisioned?
It looks like we've arrived folks!
Posted by: Scott Bishop | December 15, 2006 2:57 AM
Refreshing, isn't it? Generation X seems to be operationalizing the thought most of us have had growing up, i.e., Isn't this backwards? Why are we spending all our time working so hard to earn the money to do the things we can't do until we retire, but should be doing now?
Maybe it's the fabously wealthy who are, in fact, able to do the "things" now, and the corporations who need worker bees to behave that should be concerned.
Maybe a new time is upon us! Now, if they can only keep this refreshing "mnd of their own" mentality long enough to make a difference.
Posted by: John Boyd | December 15, 2006 3:52 AM
Honestly, we aught to think of things this way; When younger ones are coming into the workplace, they have new, fresh ideas and are quick to gainging the information they need in order to bring about these ideas. I'm 23 and I've worked at more than 10 places in the past 5 years, the only one that really supported flexibiliy with ideas was when I worked with the disabled. Really then, wouldn't it be nice to have new ideas from people who could not only bring about those ideas quicker but who have the knowledge of making that idea the best it can ever be by just booting up a computer? I would be thankful if I was an employer, not looking down upon the other generations working there but just being appreciative for what the new generations can bring into my company.
Posted by: Heather | December 15, 2006 4:09 AM
One aspect that might be worth addressing is white collar outsourcing. Those in their 20s in the U.S. increasingly will compete in a global marketplace. Some of their peers in other countries may not share their values regarding the importance of quick rewards and ample time off.
Posted by: Jay | December 15, 2006 4:53 AM
It's not just the U.S. Its the same if not worse here in Australia. I'm a 22 year old newly on the job market (after university) and I can tell you young people show no loyalty to companies today, simply because here no young person can get 'full time' employment. What I mean here in Australia a 'casual' employee works a 45 hour week. Classifying workers as 'casual' here means no overtime, no penalty rates, no holidays, no bonuses. Young people don't show any loyalty to companies in this country because we are all royally screwed over by companies. All we want is the same rights and entitlements that our parents enjoyed. And no, unions are no help because they were effectively banned by our neoconservative government early this year. Ironically this law was called 'WorkChoices' by our cunning little rodent of a Prime Minister (as he was called by a fellow prominent party member recently).
Posted by: Mark Jacobs | December 15, 2006 7:12 AM
Work, rest and play.
If you do not achieve balance in your life style. Health issues will eventually create change.
Posted by: Oscar | December 15, 2006 11:08 AM
I think this generation is probably the best generation of the three. The pre-baby boomer generation were well behaved, however they were not as well educated, nor as creative or productive.
The baby boom generation (me)? We went to Woodstock, listened to rock music, rebelled, dropped acid, caused most of the AIDS problems we have today, and are still trying to rebel by slowing down the aging process with cosmetic surgery and riding our Harley Davidsons like Hell's Angels.
Generation Next is the most well educated, most competitive, and the most technologically saavy.
Watch out world here they come.
Posted by: Matt | December 15, 2006 11:39 AM
Y generation is not unique in it's break from the previous "me" genereation, but is a more direct product of the media as the third parent. Y is neither good nor bad... just different from the Me'rs. What is uniqe is that parents are just now making an attempt to understand their children or to even know thier children - could it be that now the chiidren are in competion with them in the workplace?
Posted by: R.S. Jerome, Ph.D. | December 15, 2006 2:59 PM
The main difference between young people today and forty years ago is how the Internet has changed the way we communicate and find information. More people are aware of what's going on globally. I think the media likes to create a "war" between generations to increase sales, but the issue is more about class and economics. Mayby when they see their parents being laid off in their forties and fifties, it makes them think hard about what it will be like for them. No wonder they don't buy company loyalty.
Posted by: Ira Lax | December 15, 2006 3:27 PM
When I was a college prof a few years ago, most of my Gen Y students were fine. But there were always a few who thought the world should accommodate them. Examples: 1) The student would not show up for a midterm. He then shows up in the next class and tells me he's ready to take the test. When I explained that it's too late, he seemed confused. But not particularly disappointed. 2) A student would miss a regular class. Later he wanted me to explain everything that he missed (ie repeat the whole lecture), and at a time of his choosing. 3) One mnrning, most of the class was missing. Turns out, the students were in the cafeteria watching the TV because... John Glenn was taking his space shuttle ride. So: this all seemed pretty brazen to me, but I guess they all grew up with Boomer parents who were 'flexible' and willing to negotiate everything.
Posted by: Dan | December 15, 2006 3:38 PM
The documentary on Gen X,
Y and Next really hit home. Q: What net effect will this have on 21st Century Leadership? And,
how will this group of new leaders deal with the
old guard?
Posted by: Ronald Arrington | December 15, 2006 4:20 PM
Gen Y wil tell you how they want to be treated, but I'm curious as to how they think they should treat others.
As an editor--a job that still requires solitary, uninterrupted time--I find that the Gen Y habit of constant e-mail/IM to be inefficient and counterproductive. I can't tell you how many times I've been interrupted by unnecessary follow-up calls, e-mails, or IMs, asking questions that could have been answered had the person actually paid attention in a face-to-face meeting!
This is an interpersonal skill issue, to me. Part of being courteous is listening to coworkers and respecting their time. In today's world, does multitasking render courtesy irrelevant? (Perhaps the answer is "yes"; I just haven't gotten the memo yet!)
Posted by: Paula | December 15, 2006 6:27 PM
I am a lifelong fan of the News Hour and of Judy Woodruff too, but I must say that in this report, PBS has made the mistake of not going as in-depth as is usually the case. To interview the youngsters working at Deloitte, that is hardly a representative sample. Millions more Gen X, and Y youngsters work for companies like mine, small to medium in size, and in this arena you get a much better view of the generations than you would for these Fortune 500 and 1000 companies.
I can tell you first hand that the Gen X folks for those most part, with a couple rare exceptions are about as useful in a business setting as an unplugged copier. They sit there, look nice, but are hardly worth the money paid to them. I have been consistently amazed at how ineffective these kids are. Sure, they know cell phones, iPods, and consider themselve tech-savvy, but throw one situation at them where they have to think on their feet and most likely, the results are total brain-lock. They are far more interested in "cool" work, than in productive and effective work. They seem to expect praise for mediocre or incomplete work, and when not given, do they work harder? Not for the most part. They whine or stare at the walls.
I am also well, shocked at how out of touch this supposed tech-savvy generation is. They can speak volumes of the latest music or videos, or web sites, but ask them (for example) where is Iraq in relation to Israel, and they are lost. They do not seem to care about current affairs (and I am talking REAL news), and are more interested in fluff matters of what movie star is or is not dating what rock star.
I have reached a point in my business where hiring a Gen X'er is a very very long, tedious and cautious procedure because for the most part, they are not team players, and lack the most basic business and communication skills.
The Gen Y'ers I have hired (on the other hand) I must say have impressed me. Although they have many of the not-so-great habits of the Gen X'ers, they at least are hard workers and somewhat able to think on their feet. They seek solutions to problems without having to be coached to do it, and I rarely have to babysit them as I do the Gen X'ers.
My biggest fear, as I near my retirement, is that we are leaving small and medium businesses in the hands of youngsters who are not truly ready to handle them. They do not do well with rejection and do even less well with concerted second-efforts that are what made my business grow.
I think the most astounding and obvious problem with both these generations is their inability to focus. I have had to simply ban cell phone calls in our offices and I no longer allow iPods or any such gadgets because these kids are always "somewhere else" when they are supposed to be working. Sure, they are there in body, but their minds seem to be always away on the phone, the web, the iPods, or whatever gadget is hip or "cool" at the present moment.
I think the best indicator of this societal failure is the fact that if you look at music, movies, and television, these generations are raised on rehashes of what my generation actually, creatively produced. And their generation does not seem able to come up with a spec of creativity if it is not fed to them.
I find myself happy these days that I will soon retire and give up my position as Gen X babysitter. However, I fear the world ahead is going to see the USA fall from its leadership role because both Gen X and to some degree, Gen Y consists of youngsters unable to take the lead, unable to formulate solutions on their own, and far more intersted in instant gratification than hard work toward long term goals. Its a sad statement for where we are going as a country.
Posted by: Andrew Foreman | December 15, 2006 8:33 PM
The problem really is, that people in general don't like change. I don't blame them, I know I don't. However, things are changing and this world is becoming more fast-paced, and it is because of the computers and internet.
The only reason why the younger generation scares the older is because a lot of them don't even know how to look something up on the computer and so what they don't understand, they don't like.
However, I can see their point of view; they're scared that since the next generation has so many ideas they've never heard of before and don't think are possible, then they get scared of what their future might bring because to them, the younger generation isn't looking so hard at what has been important in the past and what they may see as a "tradition" of how we all aught to be in the work place.
But what they don't realize is what we bring into the workplace is experience on our own and younger generations. Who are the companies going to be doing business for? Who will they be selling to? Who will they be making deals with? The younger generations, that's who.
Posted by: Heather | December 16, 2006 12:02 AM
We all need to work together no matter what. Yes, some have more knowledge about certain things than others, but wouldn't it be less of a shock if we were all ready and willing to listen and learn from eachother?
Maybe the values have changed, but the younger generations still want to work hard. However, they don't want to wait for years and years to reap the benefits. For some of them, they feel as if that day may never come where they can actually enjoy life, just because they have to work so hard just to keep housing over themselves. This is due to employers not wanting to hire unexperienced people, but where are they supposed to start?
Even if they go to college, they still are the first ones to get booted because many companies see them as young and naive and think that they have plenty of time to bounce back into the work place and so, instead of getting to actually know them, they number them. Honestly, I'm tired of being treated as if I'm not worth the older generation's time because I would be willing to really take the time to accomplish something instead of wanting to have a mediocer outcome.
Yes, some of us do want to slack off, however, isn't that just the same as one person making a mistake and people branding the rest and assuming that if you'd seen one young worker you've seen them all? Really then, we need a chance to really show you what we can do, before you brand us with names and say that you're scared for your future.
Maybe the problem is communication. The younger generations communicate very very well, however, I rarely see an older one wanting to really communicate with a younger one because they don't trust them just because they dye their hair an odd color or have a peircing in their eyebrow. We still need to be taken seriously, we can accomplish a lot more than the older generations think, that is, if they only took the time to really pay attention.
Posted by: Heather | December 16, 2006 12:31 AM
As long as the Republicans can bring in large numbers of foreign workers for ditch digging and Scientific work of all kinds the born in the USA 20 somethings will have rud awakenings as they grow up.
Someone better teach them to live on the streets because thats where these people are going.
Posted by: Robert Riccomi | December 16, 2006 12:56 AM
I agree with the college professor who stated he has witnessed a change in student attitudes toward education. Millenials (gen Y) believe if they simply attend college, all good things will come to them. They forget that hard work and a good work ethic are required. As a professor, I am astounded that students believe that we should cater to them and change our schedule to accommodate them. When are we going to hold them to a higher standard? I am concerned thatcollege graduates are unprepared for the labor force.
Posted by: Julie | December 16, 2006 2:53 AM
Intrigued by your reports and postings but would you please provide them in black on white so my old eyes can keep up with this new generation. Thanks
Posted by: Rose Magnuson | December 16, 2006 2:58 AM
It comes down to the most basic of measurements - productivity. Young or old, work will go to those who can produce results, whether you are the owner of the business answering to your customers or a worker answering to your boss. Those who possess the knowledge, skills, work ethic, drive and flexability to stay highly productive will stay in the game. As technology lends flexibilty to the systems and allows us to work from nearly anywhere on the globe, this is an even bigger challenge for all of us. We are no longer competing for work (or clients) with the person waiting with us for the interview, we are competing with highly skilled and experienced persons (and companies) from around the globe. Lets say I'm interviewing candidates for a position that is flexible enough that it can be done from nearly anywhere. Your freah out of college and you are wondering when you will get your first vacation and what's up with working weekends!?! The other person I'm interviewing is in India, has the skills and experience I'm looking for and doesn't have plans for a vacation until he has made department manager (and is willing to work for half the price). Whom do you think I'm hiring? If you can produce sales at such a pace that your company struggles to keep up with production and you can do it working three to four days a week, great for you (I know those who do)! But most sales positions (which is where the money is at) are not so forgiving. I've known lots of folks who have come back from vacation only to find that a more ambitious competitior had moved in on their customer while they were away. And don't think that cell phone permanently attached to your ear will save you. Nothing replaces a face-to-face meeting with a signature on a contract! We all want a job that lets us work when it's convenient, pays well and gives us lots of flex time. As long as your customers are willing to wait for you to get back from vacation or a client is willing to let some fresh-faced graduate handle their multi-million dollar decision that has to be made now, we will all be happy. But when your customers go to your competition or you loose that client, your boss will give you all the flex time you need to update your resume.
Posted by: Terry Cottrell | December 17, 2006 7:19 AM
I certainly agree that each generation brings different, and equally valuable, traits to the table. It is up to the younger generations (myself included), and the generations that will follow, to assess and evaluate management and leadership skills and to implement strong programs and policies to reflect our previous leaders's strengths.
However, some of the previous posters mentioned irreverance as a quality of the younger generations. I do believe that this is a broadly based statement that is discriminatory in nature. The young leaders that I have worked with have the attitude that if we better ourselves we will be better for the companies we work for.
Posted by: Jillian Vukusich | December 18, 2006 3:58 PM
I am deeply troubled by an earlier comment asserting that this young generation is not aware of REAL news. As someone right in the middle of Generation Next, I can say, honest and truly, that this is not the case for me or any one I know. We are all voracious newspaper readers and news radio listeners, and we often discuss current affairs. I'd be shocked if any of my friends didn't know where Iraq is in relation to Israel. In regards to the differences in this generation entering the workplace, it's important to remember how heavily programmed this generation has been since childhood. In addition to school, many of us had every second of free time scheduled by our parents with sports or music lessons, volunteering, extra tutoring, and multiple afterschool jobs. As a result, some of us might feel the need to take a breather when we complete school to travel, etc. or take things a little less seriously. But I don't think, once we're over that and get down to work, that we're less hardworking than previous generations. Many, I'd say most, of us work extremely hard, and it is completely reasonable for any one of any generation to expect that their employer provide them with a positive work environment and benefits for their efforts.
Posted by: Alley Pezanoski-Browne | December 20, 2006 5:43 PM
Thank you Jillian, well said.
I am 28, work as an administrator and teacher for Young Audiences, am completing a Masters in Expressive Arts Education, volunteer in the community, and yes, believe that it is important that I spend time bettering myself because it keeps me energetic, passionate, confident and forward-thinking. In my career, I am dedicated to a belief that I can make a difference, and will follow the path that helps me do this. In my life, I am dedicated to my family and will always put them foremost.
I've read some concern about the ability of our youth to be contributing citizens and feel that I must point out a huge detriment that our current policy makers and leaders are doing by de-valuing and underfunding arts education. As more and more jobs are being outsourced to other countries, todays' leaders must know how to improvise, problem-solve, collaborate and create abstract solutions that challenge the norm. Students learn these skills through a creative education and we as citizens must be active in asking for it for our schools and providing it for our children. It's essential.
Posted by: Jennifer Oliver | December 20, 2006 6:23 PM
Americans are overworked, our generation realizes this facts and wants to change the workplace to match this realization. Working 5 days a week 9 to 5 is unrealistic. Just like decades ago the labor laws prohibited employers from making their employees work more than 40 hours a week, this number will soon drop (as it should) to something much more realistic. It's about time vacation time is extended to at least two months (preferably three), and sick-days should be unlimited (which some companies already do).
Posted by: Mark | January 4, 2007 12:54 AM
Americans are overworked, our generation realizes this facts and wants to change the workplace to match this realization. Working 5 days a week 9 to 5 is unrealistic. Just like decades ago the labor laws prohibited employers from making their employees work more than 40 hours a week, this number will soon drop (as it should) to something much more realistic. It's about time vacation time is extended to at least two months (preferably three), and sick-days should be unlimited (which some companies already do).
Posted by: Mark | January 4, 2007 5:23 AM
I think that a major setback of our generation is the expectation for greatness. It is no longer enough to have a stable job with a steady income. In this country, if you are young, smart, and have the tools to make a difference in the world, then there is the pressure to fulfill that expectation. Many college students and graduates, myself included, feel the need to have more than just a successful life, but a meaningful life. I think that this is one of the reasons why young people change jobs so often, and why they become easily frustrated with the older generation who paradoxically expect greatness but do not give young people the time and opportunities needed to figure out how they are going to be great. People of our generation either need to give up their idealized version of what their life and purpose is, or there needs to be an environment where these people are allowed to thrive. I personally am at the stage where I struggle greatly against what I see as settling in my life, and this can actually lead to a kind of stalemate against being a constructive member of society. Striking a balance between finding a fulfilling life and not taking too much time to make it happen is I feel a definite problem with our generation.
Posted by: Cecelia | March 10, 2007 10:43 AM
Most young Americans these days are searching for purpose in a job. This, however, is difficult to come by. But with our insight, intelligence and originality, we can create numerous opportunities for ourselves and others.
Posted by: Andrea Nimmo | September 2, 2007 11:36 PM
I believe that being in generation next, holds us to a high standard. It makes up strive to be better, but at the same time we can choose to live our lives the way we want. We choose to have fun, yet still be serious and successful. Sometimes we feel the need to live up to this "imaginary" life older generations put forth for us but in reality we control our own actions not anyone else.
Posted by: April | September 4, 2007 6:14 AM
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