For the greater part of the last century most employers have hired employees to work the usual 9am to 5pm shift. This traditional approach to working hours has worked well for most of the workforce until now.
However, recent surveys from employers worldwide are showing that young workers don’t want the same the same working conditions their parents had. Instead these new workers are looking for flexibility in the working environment and schedules. This can mean everything from working odd hours and days, to telecommuting and project driven positions.
Then numbers behind the changes
Euro RSCG Worldwide recently released its top 12 trends for 2012. In this report they show how Gen Y (those born between 1982 through 1993) is overturning the traditional workday.
Why is this so important?
It is because employers will be dealing with more Gen Y employees than ever before. An survey conducted by the Business and Professional Women’s foundation estimated that by 2025 over 75% of the global workforce will be made up of Gen Y. Yet, we do not have to wait until then, as early 2012 Gen Y will comprise 60% of the employees in most major companies in the United States.
This new generation of workers is making it clear that the employers have to be able to accommodate the employees’ personal lives if they want to retain them. Understanding this trend will make it easier for employers to recruit and retain these young employees.
The Rub
This growing trend does pose a problem for older organizations with a traditional working structure. Traditionally many companies have focused on the control and command style of employee management. This younger generation is requiring a different structure requiring companies to trust their young employees even if they are not being constantly supervised.
Facebooking and checking in with friends while working
Cisco’s “Connected World Technology” report shows that more than half of Gen Y employees prioritize social-media freedom over a higher salary when evaluating a job offer. Furthermore, more than half say the Internet is an integral part of their lives.
New Thinking Required
As you can see the coming workforce is going to change drastically the way employees are managed. For some companies this may mean the need to have executives in leadership positions become more flexible and agile in the management of the workforce.
When your organization is looking for those executives who possess the right skills and flexible styles of leadership, you need to talk to Robert Dexter of SVR Network. Robert Dexter understands these changes and has been predicting the changes that are occurring and will occur in the work place. You can get a free copy of his timely report, “The Key Critical Aspects of Hiring Leaders in the New Decade”. Why not call Robert Dexter today and have a confidential discussion on the executive needs for your organization. You can reach Robert Dexter at 408-954-7340