Workplaces today, have a multitude of age groups, from Boomers to Gen Alpha. Managers and coworkers must figure out how they handle the different generations and create reasonable expectations. Everyone contributes equally if they are treated with respect. Managers have to understand that every generation is different in how they approach work. They don’t always fit into a preconceived box that the past rulers deemed appropriate. Older thought processes of management must be displaced with new and innovative ideas to create viable work situations.
It seems to be a hard process for government job managers to understand this transition. Just because “It’s always been done that way,” doesn’t mean that the process can’t change. Obviously, most of these jobs are limited with their software, sometimes being older than the private sector technology. These workers have to learn systems that they have never worked with before so there is always a time lag for learning.
Managers also have to understand that most government positions pay less than the average private sector job in the real world. People come to these jobs to learn new skills and have different perspectives on how to respond to public demands. It is up to a manager to give guidance on how to conduct themselves as representatives of that governmental entity. Their peers need to educate them in a code of conduct, but not preach their views. Us old folks grew up in a different time where dress codes were different. We taught our children that they should be comfortable in their skins and express themselves. So sometimes, the younger people are more sensitive to criticism. I always think that a manager should just count to five before speaking. They should also try not to put a younger person in a box that will never fit them.
Many years ago, I remember traveling to Long Beach, California to work with the police. The D.C folks arrived in dark suits and ties. We westerners arrived in suits, bolo ties and dress shoes (men), suit coats and skirts, or shirt dresses, scarves, and heels (women) to greet them at their building at exactly 8:00 a.m. The Long Beach folks arrived around 9:00 am, in shorts or jeans, and Hawaiian shirts. They had long hair, beards, and huarache sandals. It took us a minute to get used to their way of life, but in the end, we relaxed a little and got the work done. And maybe a few of us took the suits off at last when we got home (me), preferring black jeans and button-down shirts (and black tennis shoes instead of heels) as our newly invented selves.
All I am saying is we can all work together if we don’t worry about clothing styles or 8 to 5 schedules. If managers just value the work, it doesn’t matter how we work or dress (within reason). If the jobs get done in a timely manner, it’s okay to have different lifestyles or schedules. Young workers have been raised differently, and are not a slave to their work. We hope parents raised them to be responsible, and do their due diligence, when they take on a job. And we hope as parents that the younger ones entering the market are embracing adulthood. Managers can benefit from figuring out a welcoming work environment where everyone can thrive. Everyone brings something to the table, past experiences, and new experiences and the old can learn from the young and vice versa. We can be a force of nature and do amazing things if a system is created for harmony, not discord. So, let’s just all try to get along!
I am learning something new everyday and send my love out to all of you each night!
Dru Tieben's Writing Corner 