March 2021
Fully 44% of employees in a recent survey did not know their company’s plans to return to the workplace, a higher share than last September’s 37%. Slow vaccine rollouts, mutant virus strains, and general anxiety among workers about meeting in-person have thrown many organizations’ optimistic, springtime return-to-the-office targets into question. (The Wall Street Journal)
From an increased reliance on technology to a newfound emphasis on “purpose,” a number of emerging trends in manufacturing are popularizing the aging industry among younger workers. Another key exogenous factor: Many Millennials and Gen Z have become disillusioned with higher-education, and a growing number of them are reconsidering the trades as a viable career choice. (HR Dive)
A recent think piece contrasts Michael Jordan’s no-nonsense approach to leadership with LeBron James’ friendlier method. These two NBA legends both broke records and inspired their teammates, but their dramatically different leadership styles are emblematic of the generational gap between them (Jordan being a Gen Xer, James a Millennial.) (Fox Sports)
Despite high youth unemployment due to the pandemic, Millennials are continuing to prioritize employers with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. This is a marked departure from younger job-seekers’ attitude during the last recession, when “it was about getting the role and getting the paycheck.” (The Washington Post)
Night-owls, new parents, and other employees with non-traditional sleep schedules are increasingly taking advantage of the flexibility that comes with remote work. Deviating from a traditional office schedule sometimes has its drawbacks though: Workers who stray from the 9 to 5 need to communicate with co-workers, set clear boundaries, and be flexible enough to acknowledge when professional obligations necessitate an early morning. (The Wall Street Journal)
Among UK workers who can perform their job from home, nearly 20% report still going into the office. The principal reason cited by respondents is a boss who “insists employees work in [the] workplace,” a surprising statistic that has prompted the Trades Union Congress to argue for increased scrutiny and accountability for employers who flout government guidelines. (The Guardian)
When asked what would most help improve productivity while working remotely, automation software (Gen Z) and improved hardware (Millennials) topped the lists of younger workers. Managers should take note and be proactive: Inadequate resources can go unnoticed among a dispersed team, but have a huge effect on employees’ overall productivity. (Nintex)
A global shift towards virtual work is accelerating an existing trend, in which organizations eschew traditional annual reviews in favor of a more agile process. Continuous feedback helps remote teams stay connected and was already a popular approach among Millennials, who tend to respond positively to frequent check-ins and feedback. (BenefitsPRO)