AT Think

Gen Yers like working for companies that participate in their community.

By Rex P. Gatto Ph.D

Such adjustment is certainly to be expected, considering the differing work ethics among younger generations. Gen X works to live, not lives to work, which is pretty much the opposite of the thoughts and business strategies by which Baby Boomers and older generations (Builders) worked and lived.

What should companies do when they have three generations of workers who just don't understand each other? How about creating a program for members of each generation to explain to the others why they think and act the way they do?That's what L'Oreal Canada did a few years ago when the company realized its employees were literally divided into one-third Boomers, one-third Generation X and one-third Generation Y. And while the older workers would sit silently through meetings, not wanting to "ruffle feathers," Gen Y would speak up candidly without worrying about rocking the boat.

What should companies do when they have three generations of workers who just don’t understand each other?

How do you deal with the old guys? A Rutgers college journalism student posed that question to me when I visited my alma matter this semester to talk to a class about newsroom management.

Have your eye on a special young CPA superstar within your firm? Nominate that individual to take part in an inaugural Leadership

Have your eye on a special young CPA superstar within your firm? Nominate that individual to take part in an inaugural Leadership Academy sponsored by the American Institute of CPAs. Read more on the Accounting Tomorrow blog.

Familiar with Dilbert, that lovable cartoon character that gives corporate cubesters a chuckle every day?

Familiar with Dilbert, that lovable cartoon character that gives corporate cubesters a chuckle everyday? Read more on the Accounting Tomorrow blog.