New Generations on the Workfloor: Diversity Challenges and

Opportunities

The Net-Generation:

the dumbest Generation ever

0r

Amazing talents shaping our future?

Mariëlle van der LeeuwProfessional Women Network Aruba

November 11, 2011

Our civilization is doomed if the unheard actions

of our younger generations areallowed to continue

Mesopotamian Tablet, 2000 BC

So, what is new?

Baby Boomers

After WW IIBuilding up the nation and economyStriving for a ‘good living’

Generation X

Between 1960-1980Freedom (in relations, education and religion)Having choices, pursuing good life

Generation Y

1980-2000Also called the net-generation

Changing Employment Relations:

Three Generations at Work

What is so different about this Generation Y?

The NET generation seen through eyes of the other generations:•Is called the entitlement generation•Used to ‘instant gratification’•Hardest critique on this generation

1. Inability for teamwork2. Motivation problems3. Work ethics4. Unrealistic expectations

(Don Tapscott, 2009)

What is so different about this Generation Y?

Clash of the generations:is not between people as human beings

But between people being an exponent of two different perspectives of

HOW WORK SHOULD WORK

What is so different about this Generation Y?

5 remarkable features of what NET generation appreciate in the workplace

1. Conditions 2. Continuous Learning3. Challenges4. Culture5. Charisma

What is so different about this Generation Y?

Companies should think how to handle this new generation, who strives for •Collaboration•Having fun at work•Flexibility

Employers can embrace the Netgeners,

by tapping into their culture, absorbing their mindset plus the new tools for collaboration

(Don Tapscott, 2009)

Norms of the Net Generation

1. Freedom2. Customization3. Supervision4. Integrity5. Collaboration6. Entertainment7. Speed8. Innovation (Don Tapscott,

2009)

This is what they want, but can they deliver?

Capabilities of the Net Generation

1. Innovative2. Engaged3. Wired differently4. Technology is a given

fact5. Social Media has a new

meaning6. Work is life, and life is

work

Are there no restrictions or ‘dark sides’?

Research shows that meaningful workplaces are measured by the quality of interconnected relations between:

1. Employees and management2. Employees and their job &

company3. Employees and employees

but organizational behavior is usually directed to Profits

before People

Possible solutions: Meaningful Workplaces

Is what they want, what we need?

The changed approach to workand the multitude of generations

in the workplaceasks for common grounds and

understanding

And what if we don’t ?

New Generations on the Workfloor: Diversity Challenges and

Opportunities

Creative Leadership

Room for initiative and real contribution

Challenge and Guide

Mariëlle van der LeeuwProfessional Women Network Aruba

November 11, 2011