January 2021
While technology has allowed the corporate world to shift to remote work during the pandemic, the virtual overhaul has largely missed blue collar workers – until now. Teleoperations startup Phantom Auto is bringing remote options to jobs that used to necessitate an employee’s physical presence, from industrial forklifts to food deliveries. (VentureBeat)
Millennials are most likely to have set a money-related resolution for the new year (62% compared to only 21% of Baby Boomers). This conscientious generation has been disproportionately impacted by economic crises throughout their young adult lives – their approach to personal budgeting will only become more cautious as they reach an age of major financial milestones. (Magnify Money)
After reaching a pandemic-era office occupancy high of 27%, Americans’ “return to the office” appears to have faltered, with many companies choosing to vacate their workspaces yet again amid a rise in COVID-19 cases. For those white collar employees who haven’t transitioned permanently to remote work, it seems like a widespread return to the office will have to wait. (Bloomberg Opinion)
A recent report on Gen Z as employees and colleagues highlights “gaming” as one of the five major themes that define this collaborative age group. Gamification in the workplace can help Gen Z build skills through an organized, step-by-step process that provides immediate feedback, something that will appeal to this hyper-achieving generation. (Knoll)
Only 31% of white collar workers say they would take more vacation time this December than in 2019, compared to half of professional Millennials, most of whom plan to use the time to simply destress. Salaried employees not taking paid time off has long been a concerning trend, one that Millennial’s focus on work-life balance and stress-management will (hopefully!) help them overcome. (Nerd Wallet)
Younger employees report more technical difficulties working from home than older ones, and appear to be more reckless when it comes to their browsing behavior and acceptance of tracking mechanisms. Managers overseeing remote teams may want to rethink the importance of cybersecurity training and education, even for so-called “digital natives.” (Security)
Although the labor force participation rate has recovered somewhat since bottoming out in April, it is still near a low not seen since women joined the workforce en masse in the 1970s. One contributing factor is Baby Boomers transitioning (or being pushed) out of the labor force, a major change for a generation that has been delaying traditional retirement. (The Wall Street Journal)
Productivity barriers when working from home vary drastically by age, with younger workers significantly more likely to report that it has been difficult to feel motivated, get their work done without interruptions, or find an adequate workspace. Supervisors should take note: Millennials and younger Xers often don’t have the same control over their living situation that comes with age and stability. (Pew Research Center)