What The Generations Want From Work: New Data Offers Surprises

 

According to an article written by Tracy Brower, Senior Contributor to The Forbes, a study conducted by LiveCareer and Oyster provides insight into workplaces with multigenerational workforces and shows that there are many similarities in what different age groups consider most important in the workplace. 

Eighty-nine percent of respondents viewed generational diversity in the workplace as a positive element of the job and 87% viewed the opportunity to learn from each other as good for their experience. It is beneficial to learn from the multiple perspectives of each generational group. Still, it is important to know that challenges such as conflict can arise, which should not be eradicated, but should be managed to ensure that people have the opportunity to speak up and be heard.

The study also highlights that, despite generational differences, there are common concerns among workers and priorities evolve throughout life, from early career growth to efficiency and family reconciliation at later stages. The key for companies is to recognize these variations, treat employees as individuals, and adapt their approaches to meet changing demands throughout the different stages of working life.

Other important findings highlight that the generations share a common demand for work flexibility, with an emphasis on choice and control over when and where to work, and job prestige is also considered vital for all generations, accompanied by recognition through informal processes and rewards, which is essential to foster engagement. In addition, regular salary increases are highly valued, being linked to prestige and job security, especially in times of potential recession. The search for growth and development opportunities is a constant, highlighting the interest in long-term growth and a shared purpose. Finally, the article emphasizes the importance of a work/life balance, noting that personal contribution to work benefits both individuals and the community, highlighting the universality of work needs and priorities across time and seasons.

This article is related to my professional life, since during my professional career from the beginning until today, and more than sure in the near future, I have had and will have the opportunity to work with people of different ages, from different generations, and it is important to understand that everyone has a different way of seeing things, but also that we all have the same goals, we all want to be treated with respect, we all want to be valued, we all want to grow and develop professionally. 

So companies should focus not only on the differences that may exist in the different age groups, but on what they have in common, because in this way they can highlight the common goal, and they can find a harmony that makes all efforts go towards the same purpose.

Let's learn to recognize that generational diversity can contribute to a more dynamic and productive work environment and can be effectively managed to leverage the strengths of each generational group. We should value the importance of learning from colleagues of different generations and how this interaction can be crucial to our professional development. Finally, let's reflect on the similarities between the different generations, such as work-life balance, recognition at work, opportunities for growth and development throughout our careers, and how our work priorities evolve throughout our lives.

I invite you to reflect on this article and how it can change our perspective of seeing things, let's not only see what differentiates us but also what unites us and use it to achieve common goals.

Brower, T., PhD. (2022, August 28). What The Generations Want From Work: New Data Offers Surprises. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracybrower/2022/08/28/what-the-generations-want-from-work-new-data-offers-surprises/?sh=23da43a03f32