May 2024
Mid-career Gen Xers find themselves ‘sandwiched’ between what are perceived as malleable, tech-savvy youngsters and hard-working, reliable mainstays. Fully 80% of employees between the ages of 40 and 65 claim to have witnessed or faced ageism at work. To assist Gen X, workplaces can implement training to combat age bias and teach mid-career applicants to focus on transferable skills. (BBC)
Debate has sparked as to whether discussing politics at work is appropriate or should even be allowed. Some CEOs are advocating for a ban on political talk in order to maintain productivity and neutrality, while others emphasize the importance of respectful debate and inclusivity. Leaders should establish clear policies and ensure employees are working towards a shared mission despite political beliefs. (Management Today)
“Gen Global” is arriving in spades. Almost half of employees believe that global companies provide better pay and benefits (49%), more cultural diversity (48%), and greater job flexibility (40%) than regional companies. Meanwhile, 66% of leaders say having employees in multiple countries is part of their business strategy. Prioritizing flexible work arrangements and diversity in recruitment can help enhance employee satisfaction. (FastCompany)
Gen Z workers are increasingly opting for skilled trades over traditional college paths due to consistently rising pay, technological advancements, and skepticism about college education's return on investment. Despite the physical demands and some uncertainty from parents, many young workers are finding fulfillment in careers like welding and auto repair, prompting a shift in recruitment focus for employers. (The Wall Street Journal)
Gen Zers with AI skills are poised to overtake millennials in employment opportunities, according to research by Microsoft and LinkedIn. Despite the increasing prioritization of AI skills, there's a lack of employer investment in training existing staff in AI, leading to a growing skills gap where younger applicants are often in favor. Leaders can bridge this gap through training and the integration of AI into organizational goals. (Fortune)
Data shows that 70% of mothers of children aged 5 and younger, and 80% of mothers of children 5-18 are working, but less than half of working women think that their organization provides flexible child care solutions. Creating policies like flexible hours, remote work, and instituting childcare benefits will help support working mothers’ needs. (Gallup)
Fully 73% of Gen Z employees will quit if they do not receive regular feedback, according to a recent UK survey. Only 15% of managers have weekly check-ins with their employees, while 76% talk about employee performance once a month or less. Regularly updating employees on their work and organizational goals is key in preventing burnout and low efficacy. (StaffCircle)
The world’s largest four-day workweek trial has led most participating organizations to permanently shrink the workweek. Citing positive impacts on employee well-being, less turnover, and a nearly 30% increase in productivity, the study is proving to be a catalyst for companies’ reevaluation of ‘sustainable work.’ (Forbes)