Four Generations in the Workplace Are Creating Challenges for Employees,
New Monster.ca Poll Reveals
TORONTO, May 24 /CNW/ - About nine out of 10 Canadian workplaces today
employ up to four generations of workers and nearly half of the Canadians who
work in a multi-generation environment admit to experiencing a clash with
older or younger workers, according to a new poll by Monster Canada.
"For the first time in Canadian history, there are four generations of
people in the workforce at the same time," said Gabriel Bouchard, vice
president and general manager, Monster Canada. "These different generations
have grown up experiencing significantly different events that have shaped
their values and beliefs. As diverse generations cross paths on the job, we
sometimes see a clash of attitudes, ethics, values and behaviours that can
result in misunderstandings and potential conflict."
Of the 1,263 Canadians who participated in the recent online poll at
Monster.ca, four out of 10 workers said that a multi-generational workplace
'adds some challenges to the job.'
At the same time, 22 per cent stated that a multi-generational workplace
provides a learning opportunity for all, while 27 per cent said that people at
their workplace do not even notice others' ages. Nine per cent admitted that
their workplace was not multi-generational.
In a separate Monster poll of 2,182 participants, roughly 50 per cent
said younger Canadians, Generation X-ers and Y-ers, have the most challenges
working with Baby Boomers. Only 19 per cent said that employees of the
Generation X and Y-era face challenges working together, followed by 17 per
cent who said that Baby Boomers and Traditionalists have difficulties and 14
per cent who stated that Generation Y and Traditionalists have troubles
working side-by-side.
While a handful of sociologists differ on the exact dates, the most
popular division of the four generations is as follows:Traditionalists- born between 1922 to 1945
Baby Boomers: born between 1946 and 1964
Generation X-ers: born between 1965 and 1980
Generation Y-ers: born between 1981 and 1999"The chronic labour shortage and the phasing out of mandatory retirement
in much of the country has many aging boomers working well into their golden
years alongside recent college and university graduates," said Bouchard.
As Canada experiences a labour shortage, it is increasingly important for
employers to better understand generational values. Bouchard said
understanding these differences will be key to attracting, maintaining and
retaining a productive workforce.
"With a multi-generational workforce a reality, employers must develop a
generational strategy," said Bouchard. "This strategy involves understanding
what makes their employees tick; emphasizing the importance of teamwork;
effective communications; and adopting 'ageless thinking' where every employee
is equal, regardless of age."
To view the results of the latest Monster polls and to read the current
feature story titled, "Generation Clash!" visit www.monster.ca.
About Monster Canada
Monster Canada (www.Monster.ca) is Canada's leading online career
resources portal - a bilingual, user-friendly online resource that is
revolutionizing job seeking and recruitment. Headquartered in Montreal,
Monster Canada is part of Monster, the leading global online careers and
recruitment resource. With a local presence in key markets in North America,
Europe, and Asia, Monster works for everyone by connecting employers with
quality job seekers at all levels and by providing personalized career advice
to consumers globally. Through online media sites and services, Monster
delivers vast, highly targeted audiences to advertisers. Monster Worldwide is
a member of the S&P 500 Index and the NASDAQ 100. To learn more about
Monster's industry-leading employer products and services, please visit
http://solutions.monster.ca.
Special Note: Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for historical information contained
herein, the statements made in this release constitute forward-looking
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking
statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including statements
regarding Monster Worldwide, Inc.'s strategic direction, prospects and future
results. Certain factors, including factors outside of Monster Worldwide's
control, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in
the forward- looking statements, including economic and other conditions in
the markets in which Monster Worldwide operates, risks associated with
acquisitions, competition, seasonality and the other risks discussed in
Monster Worldwide's Form 10-K and other filings made with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
For further information: Monster Canada Rikke Wivel, 514-350-0711
rikke.wivel@monster.ca or For Monster Canada: Porter Novelli Canada Sharon
Navarro, 416-422-7150 sharon.navarro@porternovelli.com
