Generations not so different at work: report

March 3, 2015, Toronto – Millennials are not as
different from non-millennials in the workplace as originally perceived, suggests new
research from Deloitte.

March 3, 2015, Toronto – Millennials are not as
different from non-millennials in the workplace as originally perceived, suggests new
research from Deloitte.

In fact, in some
respects millennials and non-millennials are actually more alike than
different when in the workplace, the research firm said in a news release. According to Deloitte's recent Future of Work
research report, millennials and non-millennials share core
attitudes towards work but their behaviour while at work and how they
perform their responsibilities differ.

Deloitte
surveyed 502 people representative of Canada's workforce and an
additional 493 Deloitte millennials (aged 18 to 34 years) about how workers of
each generation, across a variety of industries, connect and communicate
in the workplace. In terms of communication, both millennials and
non-millennials prefer face-to-face but almost half of millennials (48
per cent) prefer virtual means of communication as well, compared to
only 37 per cent of non-millennials. Core work values are similar
between both groups with the majority of millennials (70 per cent) and
non-millennials (76 per cent) agreeing that adding value to an
organization is important to their job. 

"These
findings show that workers, regardless of what stage of life they are
at, all want to be valued and contribute to an organization that they
can believe in," said Karen Pastakia, a partner at Deloitte, in the release.
"However, as workers' expectations continue to change and evolve,
organizations across all industries will need to adjust as well in order
to facilitate an effective workplace.

Findings
show that work is changing in that it is more flexible, open and
tech-friendly than ever before. While nine out of 10 employees would
prefer to work at the office, they still want the option of working from
home if necessary. Sixty-two per cent of millennials and 59 per cent of
non-millennials feel open and connected to their co-workers. Close
to two-thirds agree they seek such connection in an ideal workplace.

"As
more millennials begin their careers, the workforce and how people
behave and connect with one another will continue to change," Pastakia said. "Creating a workplace that keeps pace with these changes will
be an important differentiator for those organizations that get it
right."