The Negative Impact Of Generational Issues In The Workplace

Introduction Today, America is faced with many issues as a society. From environmental concerns, to sexual and racial equality, to common health fears, our issues as a whole appear to be spread across a wide shield of worries. It seems like generational issues would be miniscule compared to these overarching problems, however generational issues in American work settings are actually rapidly becoming a growing concern for many companies and organizations, including this one. These generational issues come from a vast range of differences in areas including work professional attitudes, employer loyalty, attitudes regarding respect, technology, and the work and home life balance. The possible implications of these issues in the workplace contains

Technology is a major factor that affects the strengths and weaknesses of every generation. Millennials familiarity and strength in using new technologies is both helpful and harmful in the workplace. Through the use of technology, this generation is using their skills on the Internet and social media to become more politically engaged. (Doerr, 2014) Social Media gives young people access to news stories and controversial issues in the world instantly, increasing their awareness and generating concern for community and global challenges such as war and poverty. (Crappell, 2012) In contrast, there has been a measured increase in narcissistic behavior directly related to technology as opposed to the older generations. Having high levels of narcissism means individuals may lack critical empathy needed when entering a job in the service industry. (Doerr, 2014) Other weaknesses of the Millennial generation include struggling to have respectful communication tendencies. This can lead to personal conflicts amongst coworkers and even supervisors. Millennials also have a slight problem working individually own their own, without any given structure or supervision, to complete a task or project. This is caused by their team-oriented organizational behavior, unique from the other generations. Again, both a strength and a weakness, Millennials ability to work well in a group setting can have a major affect on the work being completed by a