New Generations on the Workfloor: Diversity Challenges and Opportunities The Net-Generation: the dumbest Generation ever 0r Amazing talents shaping our future? Mariëlle van der Leeuw Professional Women Network Aruba November 11, 2011

Our civilization is doomed if the unheard actions of our younger generations are allowed to continue Mesopotamian Tablet, 2000 BC So, what is new?

Baby Boomers After WW II Building up the nation and economy Striving for a good living Generation X Between Freedom (in relations, education and religion) Having choices, pursuing good life Generation Y Also called the net- generation Changing Employment Relations: Three Generations at Work

What is so different about this Generation Y? The NET generation seen through eyes of the other generations: Is called the entitlement generation Used to instant gratification Hardest critique on this generation 1. Inability for teamwork 2. Motivation problems 3. Work ethics 4. Unrealistic expectations (Don Tapscott, 2009)

What is so different about this Generation Y? Clash of the generations: is not between people as human beings But between people being an exponent of two different perspectives of HOW WORK SHOULD WORK

What is so different about this Generation Y? 5 remarkable features of what NET generation appreciate in the workplace 1. Conditions 2. Continuous Learning 3. Challenges 4. Culture 5. Charisma

What is so different about this Generation Y? Companies should think how to handle this new generation, who strives for Collaboration Having fun at work Flexibility Employers can embrace the Netgeners, by tapping into their culture, absorbing their mindset plus the new tools for collaboration (Don Tapscott, 2009)

Norms of the Net Generation 1. Freedom 2. Customization 3. Supervision 4. Integrity 5. Collaboration 6. Entertainment 7. Speed 8. Innovation (Don Tapscott, 2009) This is what they want, but can they deliver?

Capabilities of the Net Generation 1. Innovative 2. Engaged 3. Wired differently 4. Technology is a given fact 5. Social Media has a new meaning 6. Work is life, and life is work Are there no restrictions or dark sides?

Research shows that meaningful workplaces are measured by the quality of interconnected relations between: 1. Employees and management 2. Employees and their job & company 3. Employees and employees but organizational behavior is usually directed to Profits before People Possible solutions: Meaningful Workplaces

Is what they want, what we need? The changed approach to work and the multitude of generations in the workplace asks for common grounds and understanding And what if we dont ?

New Generations on the Workfloor: Diversity Challenges and Opportunities Creative Leadership Room for initiative and real contribution Challenge and Guide Mariëlle van der Leeuw Professional Women Network Aruba November 11, 2011