In making sure this shift materializes the war is very much in the hands of the youth of today. It is they who have the talents to warrant themselves choices and in a tight labor market like we experienced in the 1990’s they frustrate employers the most. The young people entering the workforce over the next decade will have certain characteristics different to the Baby Boomers generation. Today people are much more comfortable with cultural diversity than previous generations. As the United States demographic profile becomes more diverse, so to must the workforce to adapt. Managers have to take this into account by attracting a more diverse workforce and one that can operate smoothly with different ethnicities. With diversity comes communication barriers and misunderstandings. Previous generations, familiar with traditional classifications, would find it harder to adjust to diversity than young people who are more accustomed due to growing up in a more diverse environment. Companies need to realize that graduates look at how far advanced their workforce is with regard to women and minorities. It is an indication that there are no “walls” or “ceilings” within the company that will halt progression upwards.
Another difference in generations is that many employers would have been used to having their mothers at home when they returned home from school. These days’ children have to become more independent and often labeled latchkey kids because they let themselves in from school whilst their mothers are at work. Supervisors need to treat them with respect and dignity therefore due to the lack of supervision they received growing up. They also prefer open communication from leaders and like to forge ties, as well as having the ability to motivate and inspire to work. Graduates also demand the latest technology to stay abreast of current demands. (Jay J. Jamrog)
Loyalty and commitment has been on a decline recent research suggests and is directed at the inability of companies to provide stable jobs with the recent downsizing and lay-offs a concern of employees. To combat this problem retaining employees is a major issue for corporations as illustrated below by a survey showing the importance of aspects that help retain employees.
Source: HRI Survey: Loyalty and Commitment, 2001
With all these factors and differences with the new generation of workers, we will see a change in the way companies recruit, retain and motivate employees so to keep up with the needs of employees. The focus will not be so much on pay but to create a working environment with which to grow and develop. The strategies that they will use for the decade of the employee are:
- Increase marketable skills
- Provide challenging work
- Provide task variety
- Create a culture that values intellectual stimulation
- Create teams carefully
- Recognize that pay, by itself will not retain employees
- Provide instant gratification
- Make experience transferable
- Make sure the work environment motivates
- Pay attention to work/life issues
Source: The Coming Decade of the Employee
A corporation must decide which of these strategies best suit their long-term goals and then incorporate them. In doing this the new generation of workforce will be more likely to want to work for the company and the war for talents given a considerable advantage to that particular business. The author of this article implies that an advantage to a company in the 21st century will be an organizations people. I feel that this is in fact true, after reading the new generation’s trends and habits. However, I don’t believe there is such a shortage for talented young workers as they make out, but a lack of people with relevant experience who need to be trained and given a chance. The article does raise valid points that the textbook also mentions. There is a definite change already in many companies’ attitudes to working environments. Flexible working schedules that help to balance people’s personal lives is an attracting offer as well as efforts to create a labor force that is as skilled and productive as it is diverse.
