Times have Changed, So have Generations and the Outlook of the Workforce

In the early 2000’s the IT & ITES boom in India, opened up opportunities for Gen X & the Millennials . The generation that was witnessing and experiencing the transition to the digital world, global offices, seamless communication and training in American culture and way of life. 

These were the Generations that believed in investment and savings. The pre 2008 years were an ideal time for investments in real estate and thus the joy of owning a house at a “young age”.

The investments coupled with housing loans gave rise to dedicated workforce looking to consistently up skill themselves and thus take their jobs seriously. Remember, the EMIs were the big motivators. 

High paying jobs and plethora of opportunities catapulted the lifestyle of lower middle class who then became an aspirational class. They no longer were holding on to the low paying jobs and thus commenced their journey towards greener pastures. 

Despite the opportunities, the average time spent by an employee in an organisation was 3 -5 years before they took the plunge. Every career move was calculated, comprehended and consulted; keeping in mind the 20 / 30 years EMI. 

This was a generation that gave its blood and sweat to the organisations they worked for. Many of them today, have either no loans or have saved enough to not be bogged down. This generation is now vying for quality of life, job titles and getting paid their worth.

The Gen Z - Born with Gadgets and Automation 

Born with modern & Sophisticated devices who detest complex processes and training. Very fluid and agile when it comes to adapting to new technologies and upgrades, GEN-Zs have very different approach to life.

They prefer work life balance. While they can work on their own, they’d like a one-one with their managers atleast once a week. 

One will hear more of mental & emotional health discussions in comparison with earlier generations. The organisation culture doesn’t meet their expectations and they are ready to leave and start job hunting all over again. However they are pretty clear, they’d not like to “torture” themselves by going to a place they are not happy with.

Employers have to ensure; Emotional and mental health is given very high importance and thus regular tête-à-tête .Technology with seamless user experience is the way ahead - for Employees and Organisations. An open feedback session is much appreciated by this generation of employees. They prefer discussions over being controlled 

If organisations are expecting Loyalty, dedication and productivity in 2020 from X, Millennials & Zs then, they have to be equipped to offer; Work-Life Balance, Technology that enables quicker and faster turnaround and lastly, treat their employees with dignity and build conducive Organisation Cultures.