Create successful work environment for all generations to thrive

Jon Goldman

There’s a huge conflict in today’s workforce between Baby Boomers and Gen Ys and it’s beneficial if companies understand the generational conflicts and work to resolve them.

“Baby Boomers think Gen Ys are slackers and have no work ethic,” says Jon Goldman, president of Brand Launcher, a business and marketing strategy firm.

There are 81 million Baby Boomers compared to 86 million Gen Ys. “We have expectations about how people should behave… when baby boomers want to communicate, they telephone someone. The preferred method with a majority of Gen Ys is texting or posting. Both are frustrated with each other because how they view technology is completely different,” Goldman explains. “Baby Boomers use technology to accomplish something; Gen Ys believe it’s part of life. Studies show that 38 percent of Gen Ys can’t go 10 minutes without checking a digital device. The two generations need to do a better job of relating.”

Creating a formula for business success makes both generations happier in their careers. “About 33 percent of baby boomers are planning on leaving their companies while 66 percent of Gen Ys are planning to leave,” Goldman says.

Companies should focus on three key areas: meaning, appreciating and developing (MAD). Those that focus on appreciation are 600 percent more profitable. “Seventy-nine percent of people quit their organization because of lack of appreciation, so it’s obviously an important aspect for many people,” he says.

When it comes to selling, the Gen Y is the most sought after generation. “They’re currently at the bottom of the buying cycle but as they get married and have kids, they’ll begin buying more houses and if you want to sell to them, you’ll need to develop yourself as an information source because that’s what they look for,” Goldman says. “They want to know how and when and they’ll go online to check you out. You need to be the real estate expert.”

And websites need to be mobile friendly or have an app. “A majority of people search websites on mobile devices – there are 165 million iPhones and 250 million use Facebook worldwide. That’s a huge amount of mobile activity,” he says. “If you don’t have an app and texting program in place, you’re going to miss out on that business.”

Goldman will highlight more generational differences including recruiting and retaining agents in your business during his program, “Managing a Multi-Generational Workforce” at Triple Play Realtors® Convention in Atlantic City, December 8-11. Register online to attend at RealtorsTriplePlay.com.