July 2020
The author of Under New Management posits that the pandemic has shifted workplace priorities from workaholism to flexibility, autonomy, and balance. Policies that favor working smart over working hard are sure to be popular with younger generations in a post-Boomer work environment. (Forbes)
Millennial and Gen Z anxiety levels actually dropped post-pandemic, according to a recent two-part survey. Despite being the most financially affected, the world’s youngest generations are responding to an unprecedented crisis with an extraordinary optimism and sense of community. (Deloitte)
A sense of suspended animation permeates a series of recent interviews with young Millennials and Gen Z, who feel their lives have been put on hold before they even began. The piece ends by considering a New Deal-style initiative to get young Americans back to work, and in doing so draws a fitting parallel between Millennials and the “selfless” G.I. Generation. (TIME)
The enormous influx of young people moving back home due to Coronavirus closures and layoffs may lead to a shift in how Americans perceive moving in with one's parents. While “boomeranging” has become increasingly common for Millennials over the last decade, the widespread practice still carries a certain stigma of irresponsibility. (The Atlantic)
An examination of the sudden transition to remote work reveals a shift to “short and spartan” procedures that certainly appeal to pragmatic Generation X. The anecdotes reveal the benefits of remote work, including lower real estate costs, lower commute time, improved productivity, and higher employee satisfaction – while also touching on drawbacks, like feelings of isolation, “Zoom fatigue,” and a blurring of the lines between work and leisure. (The New York Times)
Many small businesses who had already adopted policies and systems popular with Millennials found themselves better positioned to adapt to COVID-19 than traditional offices. Cloud-based archives, collaborative technology, and flexible remote work policies are some of the strategies that have helped these companies stay nimble. (The Guardian)
The pandemic has increased empathy and the desire to make a positive impact among Millennials and Gen Z, with three-quarters saying that it “has highlighted new issues for me and made me more sympathetic toward the needs of different people around the world.” Although this generation is facing enormous global challenges, they will tackle injustice, conflict, and adversity with confidence and optimism. (Deloitte)
The CDC has recommended extensive changes to the traditional American office that are designed to mitigate the risks and spread of current and future pandemics. Many smaller businesses will choose to continue working remotely when faced with this enormous cost, while those returning to in-person offices should expect a “far-reaching remaking of the corporate work experience.” (The New York Times)