Generation Integration: Roberta Matuson Unites Boomers, X-ers and Millennials in the Workplace

One Happy Boomer

  

You may be wondering why this man is smiling. You see, he is thrilled that he has just been carded by our local convenience store. Now I know he looks youthful, but don't you think this is taking things a bit too far? Seems like management at the local store doesn't believe their employees are capable of determining when someone should be carded. Instead, they have decided to card all customers. This eliminates the chance that a mistake will be made.

Or perhaps this is really a public relations program in disguise. If it is, it's working. I sent him out the next day to pick up beer for a recipe and he gladly headed back to the same store. It's nice to know that all the generations are being treated the same regardless of appearance.

Looks Like the Canyon Ranch People Could Use a Spa Day

The Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts reached a $14.75 million dollar settlement over tips. Seems the spa was charging guests an 18% service fee, which it never passed along to it's service employees. These employees are the same employees who had to jump through hoops in order to accept a tip Boston Globe Story.

Well, I for one am relieved they will no longer be charging this fee. Instead, they will implement a "resort amenities fee" that will be equal in amount.

If you've been a guest at the Canyon Ranch, then you would know that there is little else to do at the spa unless you avail yourself of the services offered to their guests. Why the resort fee? Why not simply increase the fee schedule for services by 18%?

Hmmm...$14.75 million. I'm suspect the owners and the top brass are severely in need of a spa day.

The 'Trophy Kids' Go to Work

Great article in today's WSJ about the Millennials. WSJ Article. Says exactly what I have been saying to my clients. Although I have to admit, I'm raising some young people in my home and I need to be a bit more careful that I don't create entitled newbies. 

Next up, Bankruptcy?

I'm changing jobs. I'm just way too good with these predictions.

A year or so ago, I predicted Circuit City would go down the tubes with their goof ball move of firing their top sales people, because they made too much money, and allowing them to reapply for their same jobs, while making less money.

This just in. Circuit City-WSJ. I predict bankruptcy is right around the corner. I'm buying my electronics at Best Buy, who will be there if I need to return something.

Advice to others thinking about getting rid of their top tier of producers due to their expense? Don't even think about it. 

Stressed Out Across the Generations

The four generations in the workplace may be different, but they certainly have one thing in common right now. Stress. You can't help but get stressed out by all the doom and gloom we keep hearing about regarding the economy.

If you are a Millennial, who has never experienced the workplace during a time of slicing and dicing, this will surely be a stressful time for you as you watch the politics play out in your organization. Sort of reminds you of Survivor, doesn't it? Keep your head low and focus on doing your job. And for goodness sake, don't take political sides or you may be shown the door along with the guy you are supporting.

Gen X'ers, well you've watched your parents as they struggled to keep their heads afloat during the stormy economic times. You know the pink slip may be heading your way regardless of your performance. Keep doing your job, but also take care to make sure your resume is updated...just in case.

Boomers...many of you are managing these organizations. Understand that your employees are feeling unsettled right now. Whenever possible, alleviate their fears. Help your employees focus on continuing to provide value to your customers, so you don't have to make some tough choices.

Traditionalists-Use the experience you have gained over the years to mentor those who are having a tough time coping.

Yes, it's a stressful time for everyone. Squeeze on those stress balls and remember, this too shall pass.

Group Hug

Let's face it. Last week was a tough week for everyone with all the doom and gloom on Wall Street as well as Main Street. I was contacted by a  reporter who wanted to know if managers should be treating employees, who belong to different generations, differently given the events that have just unfolded.

I told the reporter that just about everyone is feeling anxious. Therefore, we could all use some TLC right now. Here is what I recommended he advise his readers:

Yes, your experienced workers may have been through a downturn before, but this does not mean they don't need reassurance. It is important now, more than ever, to increase communication so your people know exactly what is going on.

The young people in your organization may appear like they don't care if they have a job with your company, but in fact many do. A number of Millennials are carrying student loans that closely resemble mortage payments. Don't assume they could care less about work. This is the time to ask them to step up to the plate and take on more responsibility. Give them a chance to show you exactly what they've got and for heaven's sake...get out of the way!

It's hard to think about charging forward when everyone else around you is retreating, but this is exactly what you must do to keep your organization afloat. Invest in your people and their development for they are your future. And don't forget to stop once and a while for a group hug.

Are Your Sales People Sending Off the Wrong Vibes?

After a long day of meetings on Wednesday, I decided to stop in at Nordstroms to see what the buzz was all about. The media always mentions Nordstrom as the type of store other retailers should aspire to. Hmmm...I'm not quite getting this.

Yes, the shoe department is impressive. So much so that I wanted to take a few minutes to soak it all in. Instead, I quickly ran out of there after being approached by four sales people in less than five minutes. Now, I used to work in a large retail store where this type of action was the norm for the commissioned sales people on the floor. But, I expected more from a place like Nordstrom.

I have to say, I was a bit taken back by how empty the store was, even though the mall parking lot was full. But now I understand. Aggressive sales people can quickly chase customers away.

We are experiencing a slowdown in the economy. How are your employees reacting to this change in the environment? Are they becoming overly aggressive, as customers pull in their purse strings? Or are they staying the course and continuing to build relationships?  

For many of your younger employees, this is the first time they are experiencing a downturn in the economy. Take the time to reassure them and provide guidance on how to safely navigate through these choppy waters, before your customers float away.