Obviously this is going to cause some unrest, especially amongst the older workers. But what's important here is to remember that just because this new generation thinks differently doesn't mean that they are necessarily bad. They have different ways of getting things done, and in some ways they are even capable of more than the last generation in manager jobs, which is becoming obvious with the extended work hours. Yes, the eight hours work day has gone by the wayside, being replaced with a twelve hour day in the interest of saving money.
Luckily, the new generation is capable of multitasking in jobs management, and can even cope with change as it happens around them. Instead of competition in the workplace, those in manager jobs will use their co-workers as a resource, and they will work together and in harmony. This is a plus for any work environment, though removing the competitive nature of the workplace can be seen as either a good thing or a bad thing. It's all a matter of perspective.
The new generation requires feedback on their work. Yes, there is an annual appraisal but that may not be enough for those in management employment. They need to know how they're doing, and they need to know how they can do it better. For this reason managers need to be able to interact with their younger employees on a regular basis.
It's very easy for younger employees to become bored, well at least the motivated ones. That is why it is so important to supply them with an adequate amount of work without making them feel as if they are trapped within their cubicle. It's going to be an adjustment, especially for the older generation, but with some work and getting used to, this could definitely be a positive change for the workforce.
They have strengths, and they have weaknesses. These need to be recognized and worked with. Naturally the younger generation is going to bounce around quite a bit. They won't have the lifelong jobs right away, but they will find their place. It's only a matter of time. So if you are in a position where you need to work with someone who is much younger than yourself, think of it as an opportunity rather than an inconvenience. The new generation will soon be replacing the old, maybe sooner than you originally anticipated. The most important thing right now is to make sure they are ready to take their place in the worlds of industry, finance, and all of the other workplaces around the world.
