A picture is worth a thousand words. And then some.

A picture is worth a thousand words. And then some.

Posted On July 25, 2013

This is terrific. Also bordering on narcissistic and indulgent, but mostly terrific. If you aren’t tempted to click the link just because I said it’s terrific, here’s a preview. The link takes you to CNN where a young Gen X editorial cartoonist (and Pulitzer-prize finalist) takes on the Millennial-bashing and analyzing that he feels is bringing down the greatest generation. As someone who makes a living analyzing the generations and helping businesses understand how they work – and work together – I’d take offense to the rant, except he is correct. We have been looking at and fretting over differences… Read More

Categories: Generations

Don’t forget about the Boomers – financial advisor needs continue to grow

Posted On July 23, 2013

I work with a good deal of financial advisory firms, many of which are grappling with how to attract and engage younger investors to maintain a strong continuity of client base. And while this is increasingly important, it is also worth noting that the financial advisory needs of the Baby Boomers are not going away. In fact, they are likely to grow. Relationship-oriented service businesses should not assume that all Boomers have established relationships with providers. An article in U-T San Diego quotes a 2013 study by the PNC Financial Services Group states that only 43% of Boomers surveyed have… Read More

Categories: Baby Boomers, Financial Services

Want to know why Gen Xers are so cranky? Read on.

Posted On July 18, 2013

While the Millennial generation has gotten quite a bit of negative press lately (narcissistic keeps coming up) they are certainly not alone. Xers have been hearing it for years. In fact, according to a recent MSN Money piece, this constant pressure is just one of 10 things that are keeping the Xers down. It’s a rather depressing and sarcastic take, but then again, it was written by an Xer. Here are highlights of “why Generation X is hosed:” It lost 45% of its wealth in the great recession It’s never going to retire It’s losing programs its parents had It… Read More

Categories: Uncategorized

Study warns Gen Xers frustrated with traditional corporate roles

Posted On July 16, 2013

Gen Xers have long been jaded with the traditional corporate structure – hierarchies don’t sit well with this group that gives respect via personal interactions rather than at the command of an org chart. Still, the corporate world has its perks and Gen Xers were known to negotiate for them – flex time, company cell phones, telecommuting – these were the hallmarks of the generation. Today, studies indicate these perks may not be enough. According to the BBC, companies are increasingly focused on retention of Boomers and attracting Millennials, while Gen Xers are feeling left behind. Frustrated by a lack… Read More

Categories: Succession Planning, Workplace

MarketWatch offers “10 things Generation Y won’t tell you”

Posted On July 11, 2013

The Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch had a piece recently that spells out the ups and downs of the Millennial generation fairly well. A quick summary of the “10 things” referenced in the title: Don’t like us? Blame our parents. Never mind Occupy Wall Street. We want to be the 1%. Republicans just don’t ‘get’ us. You might not want to hire us… …but soon you might work for us. We have drug problems. We live with our parents. So what? Mom and Dad: Don’t buy us a car. We’re practically professional students. Companies that neglect us will be sorry. Obviously,… Read More

Categories: Uncategorized

Marketer recognizes connection between oldest and youngest generations in the workplace

Posted On July 9, 2013

I’ve long recommended that employees connect younger employees with the elder statesmen (and women) of the company – either in addition to or instead of the traditional “next level up” mentor system. From a generational perspective, it seems that this youngest generation in the workforce has a sense of idealism that resonates with older generations – and is wholly lost on the Gen Xers in between. At MoSoConf – Canada’s mobile and social conference held in Saskatchewan last month – marketing exec Michael Douma delivered the keynote address with a speech titled “Thinking Like a Millennial in an Industry of… Read More

Categories: Baby Boomers, Generations, Product Design, Workplace

Gen X employees caught in the middle – financially stressed out

Posted On July 4, 2013

Gen Xers are currently in their mid 30s to early 50s and they are feeling the pinch of dual responsibilities. Many are faced with funding college educations while simultaneously supporting elderly parents who may not have the retirement savings to support longer lives and growing health care costs. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Employee Financial Wellness Survey, 30% of Gen X employees have tapped into their retirement savings and 36% expect they will need to – numbers significantly higher than their Boomer and Millennial peers. So, what does that mean for employers?  It means a core portion of your workforce is extremely… Read More

Categories: Financial Services, Workplace

What makes a good work environment for Baby Boomers? Ask the NIH

Posted On July 2, 2013

A lot of HR time is spent figuring out how to attract the best and brightest young talent – what are the perks and expectations that can bring the next workforce stars to your business?  The AARP, however, wanted to know who was doing a good job attracting the bright, experienced talent that is already available in the Baby Boomer generation. In their recent ranking of the Best Employers for Workers over 50, the National Institutes for Health topped the list. The NIH is joined by four more health care companies in the top five. The AARP attributes the dominance… Read More

Categories: Baby Boomers, Generation Y / Millennials, Workplace