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

A Rare Inside Look Inside a Hostile Work Environment

Ever since the David Letterman scandal broke, my phone has been ringing off the hook with requests for media interviews and information about sexual harassment prevention programs. I've also had a number of rounds of what I call e-mail tennis with colleagues who kept on insisting that there was no harassment going on at the Letterman show because no one came forward and said so. (You guys...and I do mean guys...know who you are so no need to lob another one over.)

This just in from Vanity Fair. An incredibly well written (yes, I know she is a writer) piece on what a hostile work environment feels like, as well as the damage that it can cause.

Warning: This article is not what you think. See for yourself and by all means, do share you comments below.

Letterman and Me

Retaining Top Talent in Turbulent Times

Employees are both exhausted and fed up. Don't believe me? A recent survey from Adecco Group North America highlights the increased dissatisfaction workers in America have with their employers. 

According to the survey:

54% of employees plan to look for a new job as soon as the economy turns around.

Sentiment is even stronger among younger workers. Of those ages 18-29, 71% say they are likely to look for new jobs once the economy turns around.

Listen to our podcast for tips on how to retain top talent in turbulent times.

Blog Podcast Oct 2009

Are You Ready for Five Generations in the Workplace?

Just when you thought things couldn't get worse...With more people putting off retirement, we will see for the first time in history, five generations working side-by-side. Gen 2020 is coming to your workplace within the next five years. What are you doing to prepare for this significant event?

We've seen the dramatic impact the Millennials have made on the Workplace. We Boomers thought e-mail was cool. However, Millennials took it one step further and added texting to increase the speed of communication. Gen 2020 (workers born after 1997), may not even know how to send an e-mail, since their preferred method of communication includes, texting, Instant Messaging, Tweeting and Facebook.

Employers, whose workforce primarily consists of young people, will need to quickly change the way they reach out to potential employees. We suggest skipping the career fairs and focusing on the field of social networking. Employers will also need to rethink the way they communicate with a generation, that is used to doing so with less than 140 characters. Come to think of it, it's probably a good idea to look at ways to cut back on those long-winded memos. You know, the ones that no one reads. The world of training, as we know it will be unrecognizable as programs like e-coaching and on-line game simulations replace classroom learning.

These are just a few of the many ways in which the workplace as we know it will change over the next five years. The sooner you start getting ready, the better off you will be!

Let your inner voice shine

The other evening, my husband and I were working in our office when we heard a loud voice singing in the other room. My eleven year old son had stepped up to the microphone and was singing at Shea Stadium. If you have Beatles Rock Band in your home, then you know exactly what I'm talking about. So why is this blog worthy?

You see, we rarely hear our son sing and we certainly have never heard him belt out an entire song. It's as if someone has unleashed his inner voice. Now unlike many parents, I'm not going to brag and tell you that you'll be seeing him on tour shortly. However, he certainly put a smile on our faces as we could hear the passion in his voice. We could also tell that this move to the hoop (or shall I say mike) was a big move for him.

Have you been holding back? Is it time to unleash your potential? Consider letting go. Who knows, you may be a star and you don't even know it.

Back Off

I know you aren't supposed to think of work-related items when you are attending a yoga class, but sometimes I can't help myself. My yoga instructor was suggesting that if we were pushing ourselves too far and were not getting the results that we had hoped to get, that we back off.  Being the good student that I am, I followed her advice. I feel better than ever!

Some of you may be trying really hard to achieve the objectives you have set out for yourself. Yet, you may not be getting results quick enough for your own satisfaction. Perhaps it's time to back off a bit. Here are some ways you can do this.

Schedule yourself a day off - If you are a job seeker, you may be thinking every day is a day off. This couldn't be further than the truth. We all need a break. Take a long walk or go for a hike. Spend the day with a loved one. Do whatever you need to do to rest your mind.

Pass the baton - Give someone else an opportunity to lead an initiative. You don't always have to be front and center.

Work smarter, not harder - There are ten different ways to get into a particular yoga position. Some ways are easier than others. Choose the path that works best for you.

Stop comparing yourself - I'm the Queen of looking around the room and seeing others as the competition. Not very zen like! I get into real trouble when I try to make my body do things it isn't designed to do just because the guy next to me is doing it. Focus on yourself. Build on your strengths and ignore what others are doing.

I guarantee you the moment you begin to back off, you will feel better. Try it and share the results in our comments section!

Namaste