The Gen-Y work ethic
Printed by the Akron Beacon Journal, July 17, 2006
We appreciated David Pitz’s June 21 letter (“Label for today’s young: Generation Zzzz”), which voiced disgust at his Generation Y, finding its members lazy, self-serving and unprepared for issues facing Americans today and in the future. Sadly, Pitz is right. But it’s also heartening that some younger Americans are aware of what may be in store for them if they don’t act now.
As employment lawyers, we’ve seen significant changes in attitudes and work ethic in Gen-Y compared to older generations. Clearly, there’s tremendous talent in this group. But we fear most of today’s youth is locked in a prison of self-absorbed entitlement, wasting what contributions they might otherwise make. Pitz helped confirm this, and the Beacon Journal should invite more input on the subject.
The American work force is drastically in flux. The trend will continue. As boomers begin to retire, many of their high-paying, demanding jobs will go unfilled by younger workers, unprepared and inexperienced by choice. Many of these will be outsourced to other countries with lower-paid, highly educated and willing workers; immigrants will be another worker source.
Unlike past generations, lots of boomers will not be ready to retire at age 60 or 65, working well into their 70s. In short, younger employees with unrealistic expectations may find themselves shut out as employers in need of manpower realize that workers’ abilities are not tied to youth. Rather, they are tied to attitude and ethic.
Gen-Yers should take note if they want a decent future: A self-absorbed sense of entitlement leads to nowhere — except to be forever tied to resentful parents now burdened with their own parents’ needs.
Employers should also take note: It’s good business to retain experienced, willing workers over age 40. Right now, the far better value is the older worker, with less absenteeism and more stability as a class. Moreover, outsourcing jobs only diminishes employers’ control over business and ultimately kills the very markets they seek to serve. Jobs should remain in this country, no matter who fills them.
Most Gen-Yers and American employers suffer from chronic short-term thinking and hunger for immediate gratification, to the detriment of all.
If we are to survive, we must recognize that our democracy and American way of life depend on a long-term, dedicated approach to the welfare of our work force and work ethic.
Dennis R. Thompson
Christy B. Bishop
Akron
