Generation gap driving bosses mad & undermining productivity

Generation gap driving bosses mad and undermining productivity

WITHIN two decades, three out of every four workers will be a Millennial.

It is a statistic that frustrates many bosses and managers who are struggling with their young, disengaged employees, business advisor Deon Aldridge says.

“It is already affecting confidence and productivity in New Zealand,” Mr Aldridge, of Hebron Business Game Changers, says.

“When bosses don’t trust their people because of a perceived lack of care, business is lost because of poor service, or a boss doesn’t grow the company because he or she feels young employees are not worth the trouble, then everybody loses.”

The standard responses to this looming crisis – bootcamps, importing workers or sticking our heads in the sand – are not making enough of a difference or fail to tackle the real issue. Mr Aldridge, who has years of experience working with business owners, managers and employees, says a radically different approach is needed.

“The breakthrough will come when middle-aged bosses choose to stop being offended by their young employees’ different approach to life and work,” Mr Aldridge (50) says.

The government recently announced more funding for apprenticeships, with an aim of getting 50,000 people in apprenticeships by 2020, including more young people who are classified as NEET – Not in Employment, Education or Training. It is a good goal, but the prospect of having to train more disengaged, self-centred, undisciplined Millennials is a disturbing thought for many employers.

Mr Aldridge says, while he understands employers’ frustrations, that view of young people is only half the picture. Many are also smart, open to new ideas and looking for meaningful work.

“In my work, I’m often encountering a huge divide between bosses and young employees.”

He is so concerned about what he is seeing that, with the assistance of journalist Bruce Munro, he has written a book to help bosses and managers tackle the issue head on. The book is titled Flushed!: Getting your young employees to care about the customer toilets . . . and love their work.

Flushed! has been praised by Malcolm Cameron, founder of the successful youth development and employment organisation, the Malcam Charitable Trust. Mr Cameron was named the 2012 Senior New Zealander of the Year. He describes Flushed! as “right on the button for the target audience!”

“This divide between bosses and Millennials won’t be bridged unless employers make the first move,” Mr Aldridge says.

“The secret is learning why and how to give up being offended.

“Then the transformation all employers are looking for can begin.”

Deon Aldridge, for the past decade, has grown Hebron Business Game Changers, a business consultancy that has worked with New Zealand and Australian clients in industries ranging from legal and financial to tourism, construction and manufacturing.

Bruce Munro is an award-winning journalist with 25 years’ experience. He researches and writes general news features for Otago Daily Times.

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