Baby boomers are getting back to work, or never leaving | Survey finds concerns over grads' professional readiness | Break these 3 bad boss habits and be a better leader
Workers aged 60 and older are staying in the workforce past retirement or returning to a previous job or launching their own business, a trend seen around country. Employment data for Minneapolis' Twin Cities shows the number of workers 65 and older has grown 25% from 2017 to 2022.
A recent survey of 800 US directors and executives highlights that almost 40% of managers avoid hiring recent college graduates, citing unpreparedness for professional life. The study identifies issues such as inappropriate dress or language, reluctance to use cameras during virtual interviews and concerns about work ethic.
The Mom Project founder Allison Robinson has "personally experienced how years of unprocessed stress can become burnout," and for the past 18 months Robinson has been honing her ability to frame stress as a process. Evidence-backed steps that have helped Robinson manage stress include getting more physical activity, prioritizing sleep, engaging in creative activities and -- her favorite -- creating a "bubble of love."
Part-time employees are increasingly important to employers, and many organizations are offering better compensation and benefits like health insurance to recruit and retain these workers. The idea is that if organizations improve support for these workers, it could have a positive impact on the remainder of the workforce.
New expectations of the multigenerational workforce for flexible work, better benefits and professional development, and the growing sophistication of technology are creating challenges for HR leaders. Christian Schmeichel, chief Future of Work Officer at SAP, recommends HR leaders dissolve siloes and unify onboarding and other processes to prioritize employee experience and make the most of digital tools like AI and data analytics.
The Des Moines Register (Iowa) (tiered subscription model)
About the Editor
Reflections
Kanoe Namahoe
I have a slight fear of heights that throws me into anxiety from time to time. It happens when I ride through mountains with steep cliffs or get in an elevator with glass walls. My knees start tingling and I can become dizzy. The good news is that I know how to manage it so it rarely keeps me from things I need or want to do.
20% said a recent college graduate came to a job interview with a parent in tow
21% said that some young job candidates decline to turn on their cameras for virtual interviews
63% said many recent college graduates struggle to manage their workload
I cringed when I saw these numbers, then got annoyed by the reason given to excuse the actions. The pandemic. Of course.
“C'mon Kanoe. They have all been traumatized by COVID. Have some empathy.”
This is not about lack of empathy -- it’s about reality. And the reality is that the pandemic has become a convenient way to excuse the awful behavior and poor performance we are getting from young people in school and work today. It’s biting us all in the tail.
Employers, don’t move the bar of expectations. Keep it high. Let’s help our young people grow and succeed. Remind them that they are capable and skilled -- that’s why we hired them! Tell them that we believe they have the energy, creativity and intelligence to make our business and product offerings better. This is not coddling. This is establishing accountability.
Young people, don’t let the pandemic rob your future. Nervousness and awkwardness are normal. Walk through these valleys of life. Turn on your cameras. Leave Mom and Dad at home. Look your boss in the eye and smile.
Then demand the best from yourself. Do excellent work and turn it in on time. Be early for meetings and come ready to contribute. Dress and talk like you got some sense. Be known for your ideas and brains -- not the basketball shorts you wore to the office and the “F” bomb your dropped in a planning meeting.
Fear and anxiety are normal parts of life. But they shouldn’t get to own or cripple us. Let’s flip that script and be about putting our best selves forward every day.
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