November 2020
Fully 28% of Millennials say that they are now more interested in buying a home since the pandemic started (compared to roughly 20% of Gen X and Gen Z, and only 9% of Boomers). While the survey authors are still speculating as to what caused this shift, mere interest does not equal ability – the fact remains that many young Americans cannot afford to purchase and maintain a home. (Morning Consult)
Companies trying to go back to the office are shelling out for monitors and sensors to help keep their employees socially distanced. Clever recalibration of existing technology is necessary to allow for safe coffee breaks and trips to the bathroom, as the structure of most modern offices was designed to house as many workers as possible, not keep them apart. (Bloomberg)
Trump’s third Supreme Court nomination, Amy Coney Barrett, is also the third Gen Xer selected to hold the lifetime appointment. The judicial branch is the first to exhibit a major generational changing-of-the-guard as Boomers still dominate other leadership roles, and this Supreme Court shift will likely be reflected in a more pragmatic approach in the future. (Washington Examiner)
Over a quarter of Millennials now say that taking out student loans was “definitely not” worth attending college, compared to 19% before the pandemic. This cash-strapped generation was the least-likely to view their student debt and degrees favorably pre-COVID, and have experienced the most dramatic shift in attitudes during the pandemic as well. (Morning Consult)
Untethered from urban centers where offices once were, newly-remote workers are fueling a mass exodus to “‘Zoom towns,” small communities near national parks and outdoor resorts. While a lower-stress environment will benefit employees who make the move, the trend is putting a strain on tiny towns ill-equipped to deal with traditionally urban issues like housing affordability and general congestion. (Fast Company)
Despite being farthest away from retirement age, over half of Gen Z report being concerned about the pandemic affecting their ability to save enough for their old age – more than any other age group. Like Millennials, these younger Americans are remarkably risk-averse, and organizations that can provide a sense of stability (whether as an employer or as a brand) are sure to cultivate loyalty among this generation. (Wells Fargo)
A widespread shift to remote work has brought to the forefront the issue of who exactly should be paying for an employee’s at-home office. The answer is clear: Employers who supply their staff with the technology and furniture necessary to work remotely quickly recoup their investment, avoid workers’ compensation issues, and reap the benefits of increased productivity. (Global Workplace Analytics)
Although Baby Boomers perceive the lowest risk of contracting COVID-19 (at 30%, compared to 34% of Gen X and roughly 40% of Millennials and Gen Z), they also report the highest compliance with social distancing. Researchers theorize that this inconsistency is due to circumstance: Baby Boomers tend to be retired or working remotely, while younger generations are more likely to have children or obligations that preclude strict social distancing. (PLOS One)