June 2020
Half of Millennials agree with the statement: “Sometimes, it is difficult to work remotely with people from different generations,” compared to only a quarter of Boomers. Further focus group research shows that younger generations tend to equate “remote work” with “technology,” and many feel that older colleagues use tech ineffectively, slowing them down. (Second Wave Learning)
Research from the last few years shows that younger generations are more interested in social equity and equality than older generations – one data point shows that two-thirds of Millennials and Gen Z believe that blacks are treated less fairly than whites in the U.S., compared to roughly half of Gen Xers and Boomers. As the story breaks, it comes as no surprise that younger Americans are at the forefront of protests about racial inequality that are spreading across the nation. (Pew Social Trends)
Millennials have recently been laid off in such disproportionate numbers that Gen X will likely displace them and regain their former position as the largest generation in the workforce. Millennials were overrepresented in the service and hospitality industries that were economically hit hardest by the pandemic, and younger workers will bear the brunt of a slow recovery in these sectors. (The Washington Post)
In an attempt to reduce costs and adapt to a post-Coronavirus reality, businesses may avoid replacing full-time employees by turning to more agile freelancers. Risk-averse Millennials, entrepreneurial Xers, and workaholic Baby Boomers all have unique strengths to position themselves favorably in the gig-economy. (Fast Company)
Faced with a global pandemic and months of isolation, many older adults have had to quickly grapple with new technologies in order to stay connected to the outside world. The Silent Generation (and even older Boomers) are relying on networks of peers and tech-savvy Millennials to learn skills that younger generations take for granted, like how to accept a video call or place an order online. (City Lab)
Nearly 80% of American employees, “feel their manager has been more supportive in managing and communicating work goals since transitioning to remote work,” the highest share of any country surveyed. As lockdowns lift across the nation, managers would do well to bring that same clear communication and sense of empathy from the virtual workplace to the physical one. (Asana)
A reporter spoke with Baby Boomers who have reached the end of their professional lives with no financial savings to speak of – a group that has likely grown considerably given the recent economic downturn. While Boomers have a reputation as workaholics who love their careers, there is no denying that many are still working odd jobs out of necessity rather than passion. (The Washington Post)
Record-high unemployment numbers are affecting workers across the socio-economic spectrum, as even in-demand, high earners are having trouble finding work, starting new ventures, or transitioning to new careers. Many businesses are currently unable to bring on new upper-management, and some of these well-connected, white-collar employees seem acutely aware that their next position will likely not pay as much as the last. (The New York Times)