TORONTO--(Marketwire - August 26, 2009) - Differences in communication style and attitudes
toward rewards are key factors managers should address when juggling the
needs of the three main generations in the Canadian workplace, Gen Y (aged
18-29), Gen X (aged 30-47), and baby boomers (aged 48-65), according to the
latest findings from an international workplace survey.
The survey, by global workforce solutions leader Kelly Services, finds that
Gen Y is increasingly using instant messaging, yet all age groups
overwhelmingly prefer face-to-face communication. When receiving rewards
and bonuses, younger workers prefer cash payments, while many older workers
opt for non-cash rewards such as time off work and training opportunities.
The Kelly Global Workforce Index obtained the views of nearly 100,000
people in 34 countries including more than 7,000 in Canada.
Kelly Services VP and Managing Director of Canadian Operations, Karin
French, said that generational differences can sometimes cause friction
between employees, but when properly managed, can also be a source of
growth.
The survey also finds that 45 percent of Canadian respondents say the
differences between Gen Y, Gen X and baby boomers make the workplace more
productive, while 17 percent say they interfere with productivity and 25
percent say they make no difference.
"When the differences between the age groups are harnessed effectively,
they can provide a powerful stimulus to creativity and productivity. Rather
than trying to smother this diversity, good employers are utilizing it to
generate fresh ideas and new ways of doing business," French says.
Among the key findings of the survey:
-- Baby boomers believe they understand the generational differences
better than Gen Y or Gen X
-- In communicating with colleagues, all generations prefer face-to-face
discussion over written or electronic communication
-- Gen Y largely opt for traditional cash rewards while many Gen X and
baby boomers lean toward non-cash benefits such as time off work and
training opportunities
-- More than a third (38 percent) say they have experienced
intergenerational conflicts in their workplace.
There is acknowledgement across the spectrum that age-related differences
do impact on the way people go about their work, and 74 percent say they
adapt their communication style in dealing with colleagues from a different
generation.
French says it is important that employers recognize the key differences
between the generations that can be effectively managed in order to achieve
a harmonious balance and a productive work environment.
"Juggling these pressures is challenging but by addressing issues such as
compensation and internal communications, it is possible to reap the
benefit from a diverse group of people, and generate conditions that can
help organizations to flourish," French concludes.
About the Kelly Global Workforce Index
The Kelly Global Workforce Index is a survey revealing opinions about work
and the workplace from a generational viewpoint. Results of the current
findings from across Kelly's global operations in North America, Europe,
and the Asia Pacific will be published throughout 2009 in a series of six
releases.
About Kelly Services
Kelly Services, Inc. (
NASDAQ:
KELYA) (
NASDAQ:
KELYB) is a world leader in
workforce management services and human resources solutions. Kelly offers
a comprehensive array of temporary staffing, permanent placement,
outsourcing, and consulting services. Kelly serves clients around the
globe and provides employment to 650,000 employees annually. Revenue in
2008 was $5.5 billion. Visit
www.kellyservices.com.
Contact Information: Media contact:
Kate Samson
(416) 646-4249
kate.samson@kellyservices.com
Judith Clark
(248) 244-4305
judith_clark@kellyservices.com