Multi-Generational Workforce

Taken from staffingindustry.comAccording to Randstad Australia’s World of Work research, Generation X (born between 1965 and 1982) is beginning to take over the reins of senior management from the Baby Boomers. Meanwhile, Generation Y (born between 1983 and 1999) is moving into work and up the management hierarchy. According to Randstad, with the arrival of Generation Z in the workforce imminent (born after 2000), this will create at least four generations in the workforce. The research reveals many areas of agreement such as the importance of work-life balance, along with a few key differences — particularly when it comes to job mobility and management styles.  While few now expect a job for life, research suggests that most Generation Y workers go further by being reluctant to stay with any particular organisation for more than five to seven years. The maxim is to ‘acquire new skills, build up experience and move on’. The research shows that Baby Boomers are happiest in their jobs, because they are more likely to have the work-life balance many desire, and their experience lends itself to more realistic career expectations. Meanwhile, Generation Y are less satisfied due to rapidly growing aspirations and a possible genuine concern that their hard work in education may not deliver their desired career path. Generation Y are also demanding more collaboration and less hierarchy in the workplace. Generation X workers, who are often contending with both middle age and middle management, are the least satisfied. The report also states that two-thirds of the employers taking part in Randstad’s World of Work survey believe managing a multigenerational workforce is one of the biggest challenges they face.