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Cross Generational
Communication and
Engagement

Presented for MITRE
Scott H. Span, MSOD
President, Tolero Solutions
June, 2010
Objectives
   Explore the impact and importance of generational diversity in the workplace

   To provide insight and raise awareness around the recruitment, retention, and
    engagement of multiple generations.

   Understand how generational differences impact all phases of the employee life cycle

   To provide recommendations, suggestions and methodology to increase Gen Y
    employee satisfaction and retention

   Take away practical tips for cross generational engagement - an increasingly important
    topic in government


    Groups of people born around the same time will have similar characteristics because
    certain social, cultural, economic and technological environments remain relatively
    consistent for pockets of time.. It is the different perception of the world and the way it
    works, formed in response to our environment, that creates differences between one
    generation and another.
      Peter Sheahan, Generation Y: Thriving and Surviving with Generation Y at Work,
         (Australia, 2005)
                                                                                                  2
Discussion

Generational Overview

Recruitment & Retention Lifecycle 
  Targeted skill assessment and competency building
  Knowledge utilization
  Feedback/coaching
  Retention and engagement

Questions?
                                                      3
Defining the Generations

 Generations are defined not by a formal process but by
  demographics, the media, popular culture, and market
  research
 Generations are shaped by shared childhood
  experiences and then defined by early-adulthood
  actions
 The specific cultural impacts that shape the
  generations vary some by geography, but the resulting
  traits of each are similar
 Multiple terms are used to define each generation
 Ranges of dates may vary a bit
 Not intended to stereotype, but to understand some
  predominantly common traits
                                                           4
Urgency in Government for a
Cross Generational Focus




           Source: OPM FedStats




 How do you apply many of these attributes to government and the public sector?
 Government certainly has more limitations than companies do when trying to implement some of these ideas. So its
 important to pick the ones that can be most easily implemented. For example, theres no reason a public sector
 employee cant join the online conversation by starting a blog or commenting on other government-related blog posts.
 Also, public sector organizations can still create unique and cool career sites for recruits. However, the most important
 thing public sector employers can do is loosen up! Government has a reputation for being a boring place to work. Tear
 down the cubicles (or at least the top walls) and encourage people to collaborate and socialize productively. Bring
 employees out to team lunches and create opportunities for your Gen Y people to organize social events, like after
 hours dinners or intramural sports teams.
 Deloittes Millennial Fact Sheet14
 http://www.deloitte.com/dtt/cda/doc/content/us_consulting_millennialfactsheet_080606.pdf
                                                                                                                               5
Positive
Recruitment & Retention Lifecycle 




                                      6
Negative
Recruitment & Retention Lifecycle 

                         Employee leaves the
                                firm
                                                                                  No understanding of
                                      Out             Hire                         culture, role and
   Lack of trust and                                                                responsibilities,
    safety, lack of                   The Door                                       expectations,
 targeted increase in                                                             priorities, and style
    competencies
                        Not Offer                             Unclear
                        Coaching                              Communication


               Untimely/                                          Dont Assess
                                                                              Feelings of not being
               No Feedback                                                   competent or significant


          Negative assumption,
         lack of opportunity for
        growth and development                              Mis-Target              Unprepared,
                                                                                  overwhelmed and
                                                                               potentially unsuccessful
                                         Under Utilize
                                               Knowledge and interests are
                                                  going to waste, over
Scott Span, MSOD                                      promised.                                          7
Cross Generational View
Baby Boomers                    Generation X                       Gen Y
Leadership                      Management                         Employee

   Born during 1946  1964        Born during 1965  1978           Born after 1979 ( pre 2000)

   Accept authority figures       Like informality                  Question authority

   Strong commitment, give        Loyalty is to self and            Smart" workers (little effort
    maximum effort                  building skills                    for maximum result)

   Workaholics; live to work      Work to live; seek work/life      Not as interested in climbing
                                    balance                            the corporate ladder
   Money buys experiences
    and freedom                    Less confidence in long-          Money is necessary for
                                    term rewards and greater           maintaining luxurious
   Change jobs but usually         expectations for short-term        lifestyles
    stay within same industry       rewards
                                                                      Integrated work and
                                   Not only change jobs, but          personal lives leading to
                                    move across industries             "living all the time

                                   Prolific entrepreneurs            Pursue self-improvement;
                                                                       value life-long learning         8
Generational Similarities

 All to often we only focus on differences when working
  with diversity
 Certain fundamental human needs, similarities, exist
  amongst all generations and demographics:
      Competence
      Significance
      Communication (feeling heard)
      Trust
      Valued



                                                           9
Work Preferences

                    Matures                  Boomers                     Gen X                        Gen Y

                                                                     Opportunity to           Fun, fast paced, virtual,
              Discipline, Hard work      Individual Success,
Environment                                                       contribute, autonomy       learn rapidly and make a
                 and Teamwork             wealth and loyalty
                                                                    and move quickly                 difference



Style         Seniority, rules driven     Corporation driven       Question the norm             Entrepreneurial



                  Expertise and          Want their hard work     Want the company to        Want to value their own
Value
                   Experience                   valued           value their contributions       contributions



Time               Timeliness                 Face Time               Results driven                  Virtual




Hours                 9 - 5                 Dusk to Dawn         What do you mean 8 - 6?     Work until work is done




Drivers          To Build a Life        To Build a BETTER Life     Work to Live Better       To live a purposeful Life


                                                                                                                          10
Recruiting
 Baby Boomers
    Need to know their experience is valued, that they can make a
     difference and excel
    Discuss future goals and career path
    Develop a personal rapport
 Gen-X
    Offer balance and fun (hours, flexibility, environment)
    Be merit not tenure based
    Offer multi-tasking and hands-off supervision
    See change as positive  offers more opportunities
 Gen Y/Millennials
    Discuss personal goals and how company can support
    Treat recruits as customers
    Be prepared for their desire to include peers and parents in
     process
    Whats in it for me? Communicate mutual value proposition
                                                                     11
Work / Life Balance

   Baby Boomers
      Pride themselves on 60 hr work weeks; Face Time
      Now starting to question their work ethic and lack of balance

   Gen-X
      Seek balance  Work to live not live to work; want flexible hours
       and telecommuting.
      As long as I get the job done, it doesnt matter when or where

   Gen Y/Millennials
      Similar to Gen X
      Have interests outside of work.
      Willing to sacrifice promotions for lifestyle
      Want to leverage technology to provide flexibility


                                                                           12
Training

   Boomers
      Work hard and youll learn
      Need training on how to be a coach to Millennials
      Classroom vs. virtual

   Gen-X
      Training is very important
      Want to build diverse skills
      Keep materials brief and scannable

   Gen Y/Millennials
      Enjoy learning
      Training reduces stress
      Want virtual learning as well as coaching and guidance


                                                                13
Coaching & Feedback
 Boomers
    Want personal approach
    Want to be treated as equals and to be empowered
    Coach tactfully
    Ask, dont tell
    See mentors as providing fast track to promotions
 Gen-X
    Need constructive feedback but do not like close
     supervision
    Not impressed by authority
    Want mentors to support their career development
 Gen Y/Millennials
    Need structure and supervision, but do not want to be
     directed
    Need hands on mentor to provide coaching
    Want visibility with senior personnel
                                                             14
Culture & Rewards

   Boomers
      Titles and status are important
      Use personal approach and perks (first class travel, etc)
      Give public recognition of accomplishments
      Value face to face teamwork
   Gen-X
      Want informal work environment  casual dress, fun
      Want ownership in company - stock options
      Prefer virtual teamwork; enjoy simultaneous tasks
      Want convenience  concierge service
      Like high-tech perks (best technology)
   Gen Y/Millennials
      Use personal touch
      Understand individual drivers, dont like to be treated like one of many
      Reward with out of box benefits
      Support community involvement/corporate citizenship                    15
Summary and
    Recommendations

   Strive for the positive Recruitment and Retention Lifecycle to
    minimize negative impacts

   Conduct targeted surveys and focus groups of a cross section of
    the workforce to obtain additional data on each area of the cycle
    as relates to your organization/agency

   Potentially reevaluate your recruitment and retention philosophy
    (based upon additional data)

   Review recommendations and implement alternate options to
    increase engagement, retention, and performance



                                                                        16
Summary and
  Recommendations Continued

 Conduct targeted cross generational surveys
  and focus groups employees to obtain
  additional data
 Reevaluate existing training and delivery
  methods for Gen Y employees
 Replace some of the existing training:
   Adapt existing training delivery formats and
    approaches
   Provide specific customized training for Gen Y
    employees (how to integrate and apply past
    experiences and skills within the new
    organization/agency)
                                                     17
What Next?

 Understand and appreciate the differences between the
  generations
 Develop cross generational dialogue
 Provide coaching and training at all levels not just to leaders
 Understand what drives your people and then tailor what
  you do (performance feedback, recognition, rewards,
  mentoring)
 Leverage what works
    Provide connections with leaders and personal touch
    Listen and TAKE ACTION on feedback from surveys or site
     visits
    Offer opportunities to influence outcomes that affect them
    Vigorously support flexibility, virtual work, and community
     involvement
    COMMUNICATE!
                                                                    18
Conclusion

"people want a life and Generation Y are calling
  for it the loudest. When they don't get it, they
  talk with their feet
  Generation Y: Thriving and Surviving with Generation Y at Work
    by Peter Sheahan, Australia 2005




            What questions do you have?



                                                                   19
Contact Information

                Scott H. Span, MSOD
                      President
                  Tolero Solutions
 Organizational Development & Change Consulting
          Facilitating Sustainable Growth
             www.tolerosolutions.com
      Email: scott.span@tolerosolutions.com
               Twitter: SSpanTolero
  LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/scottspan




                                                   20
Take Aways




             21
Baby Boomers (1946-1964)

 Key defining events: End of World War II, Moon Landing,
  Assassination of JFK, Civil Rights movement, Vietnam
  War, Television, Korean War and Vietnam, Rock n Roll,
  Polio Vaccine, Woodstock
 Many current leaders externally and in our organization
 Optimistic, team players, workaholics, supermom/dad
 Defined by their jobs; Success is visible
 Divorce becoming more common
 Tend to be more conservative
 Passion for personal and social improvement, the civil
  rights generation
 Will begin retiring in 2010
                                                            22
Generation X (1965-1978)
 Key Defining Events: Watergate, AIDS, Energy Crisis, Cold War,
  Persian Gulf War; Corporate Downsizing, Family TV shows, Movies
  with G to R ratings, Oil embargo, Inflation and Recession, Womens
  Rights Movement, Oral Contraceptives, Political Corruption
 Leaders; todays managers, mentors, and project leads
 Increased divorce rates  both parents and selves
 Women enter workforce in mass
 Former latchkey kids, independent
 Self-reliant, confident, highly educated, multi-taskers
 Cynical and pessimistic
 Work hard, play hard mentality
 Independent; no strong political affiliations
 Tech jobs, competitive, hard-working entrepreneurs
 Embrace risk and free agency


                                                                       23
Gen Y / Millennials (born since
   1979)
 Key Defining events: Afghanistan and Iraq War, War on Terror, Fall
  of the Berlin Wall, Oklahoma City Bombing, Video gaming, Social
  Networking (mySpace, IM, Text, email), Anthrax, OJ Simpson,
  School Violence, Widespread Use of Technology (internet, music
  downloads, cell phones, cable)
 Strongly impacted by the economic prosperity of the 1990s
 Children of Soccer moms and Little League dads; viewed as
  coddled and confident
 Parents are strong advocates, including into college and workforce
 Most medicated generation
 Highly educated, creative, resourceful, believe they can do anything
 Technically very savvy
 Aware  socially, environmentally, ethically
 Lifestyle very important
 Expect purpose and meaning in their life
 Entering the workforce today
          - Gen Y and Millennials share similar characteristics -      24
A Closer Look at Gen Y &
    Millennials
   Looking for work/life balance, flex work, virtual work; want control
   Do not want to be defined by their job
   Easily bored, impatient
   At work, expect new challenges, promotion opportunities, constant
    change, and FUN
   Like to feel empowered and have real responsibility
   Want to be coached and nurtured (but not overly directed or
    controlled)
   Need expectations to be clear and to be held accountable
   Need to feel a sense of belonging, to be involved; need a personal
    connection and to be treated as an individual
   Need fair compensation, to be treated fairly, recognized and valued
   Want their employer to increase their employability and invest in
    development
   Want to do 'cutting edge' work
   Place high value on having a competent manager
   Motivation is very individual, one size fits all will not work     25
Next Generation Talent Management:
Hewitt Associates
Five Workforce Trends You Can Count On:

Smaller and Less Sufficiently Skilled
   In industrialized nations, smaller, middle-aged population segments and early retirements are substantially reducing the size
  of working-age populations
   By 2016, Generation Y (born 1977-1994) will have fully entered the workforce, however, they will not possess the skills that
  older workers who have left the workforce did, creating a skill gap
Increasingly Global
    Worker mobility and migration are gaining momentum
    Currently 他 of jobs off shored are from America, but other countries are expected to join this trend
    Off shoring is creating a lot of opportunity in Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia
Highly Virtual
    Technology is completely redefining the concepts of workplace and workday
    By 2008, the number of employers with no employees working from home on a regular basis is predicted to drop from 46%
   to 20%
    Virtual co-working is on the rise
Vastly Diverse
    There are more generations in the workforce than ever before. Workers are entering the workforce earlier and staying longer
    Women and minorities are making up increasing amounts of the workforce
    Lifestyles and life patterns are also more diverse (on and off ramps)
Autonomous and Empowered
    Workers have the capacity and the desire to be more influential on the job
    Workers have more authority on the job market
                                                                                                                             26

More Related Content

Recruitment & Retention Lifecycle TM Model - MITRE gov diversity

  • 1. Cross Generational Communication and Engagement Presented for MITRE Scott H. Span, MSOD President, Tolero Solutions June, 2010
  • 2. Objectives Explore the impact and importance of generational diversity in the workplace To provide insight and raise awareness around the recruitment, retention, and engagement of multiple generations. Understand how generational differences impact all phases of the employee life cycle To provide recommendations, suggestions and methodology to increase Gen Y employee satisfaction and retention Take away practical tips for cross generational engagement - an increasingly important topic in government Groups of people born around the same time will have similar characteristics because certain social, cultural, economic and technological environments remain relatively consistent for pockets of time.. It is the different perception of the world and the way it works, formed in response to our environment, that creates differences between one generation and another. Peter Sheahan, Generation Y: Thriving and Surviving with Generation Y at Work, (Australia, 2005) 2
  • 3. Discussion Generational Overview Recruitment & Retention Lifecycle Targeted skill assessment and competency building Knowledge utilization Feedback/coaching Retention and engagement Questions? 3
  • 4. Defining the Generations Generations are defined not by a formal process but by demographics, the media, popular culture, and market research Generations are shaped by shared childhood experiences and then defined by early-adulthood actions The specific cultural impacts that shape the generations vary some by geography, but the resulting traits of each are similar Multiple terms are used to define each generation Ranges of dates may vary a bit Not intended to stereotype, but to understand some predominantly common traits 4
  • 5. Urgency in Government for a Cross Generational Focus Source: OPM FedStats How do you apply many of these attributes to government and the public sector? Government certainly has more limitations than companies do when trying to implement some of these ideas. So its important to pick the ones that can be most easily implemented. For example, theres no reason a public sector employee cant join the online conversation by starting a blog or commenting on other government-related blog posts. Also, public sector organizations can still create unique and cool career sites for recruits. However, the most important thing public sector employers can do is loosen up! Government has a reputation for being a boring place to work. Tear down the cubicles (or at least the top walls) and encourage people to collaborate and socialize productively. Bring employees out to team lunches and create opportunities for your Gen Y people to organize social events, like after hours dinners or intramural sports teams. Deloittes Millennial Fact Sheet14 http://www.deloitte.com/dtt/cda/doc/content/us_consulting_millennialfactsheet_080606.pdf 5
  • 7. Negative Recruitment & Retention Lifecycle Employee leaves the firm No understanding of Out Hire culture, role and Lack of trust and responsibilities, safety, lack of The Door expectations, targeted increase in priorities, and style competencies Not Offer Unclear Coaching Communication Untimely/ Dont Assess Feelings of not being No Feedback competent or significant Negative assumption, lack of opportunity for growth and development Mis-Target Unprepared, overwhelmed and potentially unsuccessful Under Utilize Knowledge and interests are going to waste, over Scott Span, MSOD promised. 7
  • 8. Cross Generational View Baby Boomers Generation X Gen Y Leadership Management Employee Born during 1946 1964 Born during 1965 1978 Born after 1979 ( pre 2000) Accept authority figures Like informality Question authority Strong commitment, give Loyalty is to self and Smart" workers (little effort maximum effort building skills for maximum result) Workaholics; live to work Work to live; seek work/life Not as interested in climbing balance the corporate ladder Money buys experiences and freedom Less confidence in long- Money is necessary for term rewards and greater maintaining luxurious Change jobs but usually expectations for short-term lifestyles stay within same industry rewards Integrated work and Not only change jobs, but personal lives leading to move across industries "living all the time Prolific entrepreneurs Pursue self-improvement; value life-long learning 8
  • 9. Generational Similarities All to often we only focus on differences when working with diversity Certain fundamental human needs, similarities, exist amongst all generations and demographics: Competence Significance Communication (feeling heard) Trust Valued 9
  • 10. Work Preferences Matures Boomers Gen X Gen Y Opportunity to Fun, fast paced, virtual, Discipline, Hard work Individual Success, Environment contribute, autonomy learn rapidly and make a and Teamwork wealth and loyalty and move quickly difference Style Seniority, rules driven Corporation driven Question the norm Entrepreneurial Expertise and Want their hard work Want the company to Want to value their own Value Experience valued value their contributions contributions Time Timeliness Face Time Results driven Virtual Hours 9 - 5 Dusk to Dawn What do you mean 8 - 6? Work until work is done Drivers To Build a Life To Build a BETTER Life Work to Live Better To live a purposeful Life 10
  • 11. Recruiting Baby Boomers Need to know their experience is valued, that they can make a difference and excel Discuss future goals and career path Develop a personal rapport Gen-X Offer balance and fun (hours, flexibility, environment) Be merit not tenure based Offer multi-tasking and hands-off supervision See change as positive offers more opportunities Gen Y/Millennials Discuss personal goals and how company can support Treat recruits as customers Be prepared for their desire to include peers and parents in process Whats in it for me? Communicate mutual value proposition 11
  • 12. Work / Life Balance Baby Boomers Pride themselves on 60 hr work weeks; Face Time Now starting to question their work ethic and lack of balance Gen-X Seek balance Work to live not live to work; want flexible hours and telecommuting. As long as I get the job done, it doesnt matter when or where Gen Y/Millennials Similar to Gen X Have interests outside of work. Willing to sacrifice promotions for lifestyle Want to leverage technology to provide flexibility 12
  • 13. Training Boomers Work hard and youll learn Need training on how to be a coach to Millennials Classroom vs. virtual Gen-X Training is very important Want to build diverse skills Keep materials brief and scannable Gen Y/Millennials Enjoy learning Training reduces stress Want virtual learning as well as coaching and guidance 13
  • 14. Coaching & Feedback Boomers Want personal approach Want to be treated as equals and to be empowered Coach tactfully Ask, dont tell See mentors as providing fast track to promotions Gen-X Need constructive feedback but do not like close supervision Not impressed by authority Want mentors to support their career development Gen Y/Millennials Need structure and supervision, but do not want to be directed Need hands on mentor to provide coaching Want visibility with senior personnel 14
  • 15. Culture & Rewards Boomers Titles and status are important Use personal approach and perks (first class travel, etc) Give public recognition of accomplishments Value face to face teamwork Gen-X Want informal work environment casual dress, fun Want ownership in company - stock options Prefer virtual teamwork; enjoy simultaneous tasks Want convenience concierge service Like high-tech perks (best technology) Gen Y/Millennials Use personal touch Understand individual drivers, dont like to be treated like one of many Reward with out of box benefits Support community involvement/corporate citizenship 15
  • 16. Summary and Recommendations Strive for the positive Recruitment and Retention Lifecycle to minimize negative impacts Conduct targeted surveys and focus groups of a cross section of the workforce to obtain additional data on each area of the cycle as relates to your organization/agency Potentially reevaluate your recruitment and retention philosophy (based upon additional data) Review recommendations and implement alternate options to increase engagement, retention, and performance 16
  • 17. Summary and Recommendations Continued Conduct targeted cross generational surveys and focus groups employees to obtain additional data Reevaluate existing training and delivery methods for Gen Y employees Replace some of the existing training: Adapt existing training delivery formats and approaches Provide specific customized training for Gen Y employees (how to integrate and apply past experiences and skills within the new organization/agency) 17
  • 18. What Next? Understand and appreciate the differences between the generations Develop cross generational dialogue Provide coaching and training at all levels not just to leaders Understand what drives your people and then tailor what you do (performance feedback, recognition, rewards, mentoring) Leverage what works Provide connections with leaders and personal touch Listen and TAKE ACTION on feedback from surveys or site visits Offer opportunities to influence outcomes that affect them Vigorously support flexibility, virtual work, and community involvement COMMUNICATE! 18
  • 19. Conclusion "people want a life and Generation Y are calling for it the loudest. When they don't get it, they talk with their feet Generation Y: Thriving and Surviving with Generation Y at Work by Peter Sheahan, Australia 2005 What questions do you have? 19
  • 20. Contact Information Scott H. Span, MSOD President Tolero Solutions Organizational Development & Change Consulting Facilitating Sustainable Growth www.tolerosolutions.com Email: scott.span@tolerosolutions.com Twitter: SSpanTolero LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/scottspan 20
  • 22. Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Key defining events: End of World War II, Moon Landing, Assassination of JFK, Civil Rights movement, Vietnam War, Television, Korean War and Vietnam, Rock n Roll, Polio Vaccine, Woodstock Many current leaders externally and in our organization Optimistic, team players, workaholics, supermom/dad Defined by their jobs; Success is visible Divorce becoming more common Tend to be more conservative Passion for personal and social improvement, the civil rights generation Will begin retiring in 2010 22
  • 23. Generation X (1965-1978) Key Defining Events: Watergate, AIDS, Energy Crisis, Cold War, Persian Gulf War; Corporate Downsizing, Family TV shows, Movies with G to R ratings, Oil embargo, Inflation and Recession, Womens Rights Movement, Oral Contraceptives, Political Corruption Leaders; todays managers, mentors, and project leads Increased divorce rates both parents and selves Women enter workforce in mass Former latchkey kids, independent Self-reliant, confident, highly educated, multi-taskers Cynical and pessimistic Work hard, play hard mentality Independent; no strong political affiliations Tech jobs, competitive, hard-working entrepreneurs Embrace risk and free agency 23
  • 24. Gen Y / Millennials (born since 1979) Key Defining events: Afghanistan and Iraq War, War on Terror, Fall of the Berlin Wall, Oklahoma City Bombing, Video gaming, Social Networking (mySpace, IM, Text, email), Anthrax, OJ Simpson, School Violence, Widespread Use of Technology (internet, music downloads, cell phones, cable) Strongly impacted by the economic prosperity of the 1990s Children of Soccer moms and Little League dads; viewed as coddled and confident Parents are strong advocates, including into college and workforce Most medicated generation Highly educated, creative, resourceful, believe they can do anything Technically very savvy Aware socially, environmentally, ethically Lifestyle very important Expect purpose and meaning in their life Entering the workforce today - Gen Y and Millennials share similar characteristics - 24
  • 25. A Closer Look at Gen Y & Millennials Looking for work/life balance, flex work, virtual work; want control Do not want to be defined by their job Easily bored, impatient At work, expect new challenges, promotion opportunities, constant change, and FUN Like to feel empowered and have real responsibility Want to be coached and nurtured (but not overly directed or controlled) Need expectations to be clear and to be held accountable Need to feel a sense of belonging, to be involved; need a personal connection and to be treated as an individual Need fair compensation, to be treated fairly, recognized and valued Want their employer to increase their employability and invest in development Want to do 'cutting edge' work Place high value on having a competent manager Motivation is very individual, one size fits all will not work 25
  • 26. Next Generation Talent Management: Hewitt Associates Five Workforce Trends You Can Count On: Smaller and Less Sufficiently Skilled In industrialized nations, smaller, middle-aged population segments and early retirements are substantially reducing the size of working-age populations By 2016, Generation Y (born 1977-1994) will have fully entered the workforce, however, they will not possess the skills that older workers who have left the workforce did, creating a skill gap Increasingly Global Worker mobility and migration are gaining momentum Currently 他 of jobs off shored are from America, but other countries are expected to join this trend Off shoring is creating a lot of opportunity in Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia Highly Virtual Technology is completely redefining the concepts of workplace and workday By 2008, the number of employers with no employees working from home on a regular basis is predicted to drop from 46% to 20% Virtual co-working is on the rise Vastly Diverse There are more generations in the workforce than ever before. Workers are entering the workforce earlier and staying longer Women and minorities are making up increasing amounts of the workforce Lifestyles and life patterns are also more diverse (on and off ramps) Autonomous and Empowered Workers have the capacity and the desire to be more influential on the job Workers have more authority on the job market 26