Worker Wants Differ by Generation

October 18, 2006 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - A new survey from Hudson has found younger employees want more feedback, access to managers and social interaction than their older counterparts.

According to a Hudson press release, 24% of both Generation X (born 1965 – 1979) and Y (born after 1980) workers surveyed said they would like feedback from their boss at least once a week, if not every day. However, only one-fifth of baby boomers (born 1946 – 1964) and 11% of traditionalists (born 1928 – 1945) want feedback that frequently.

Younger workers also wanted to have access to managers, the release said. Around half of Gen X (48%) and Gen Y (55%) workers said they consider it to be very or somewhat important to work in the same office as their boss, while 44% of baby boomers and 41% of traditionalists said the same. Likewise, 81% of Generation Y employees said access to senior management was somewhat or very important and 69% of traditionalists said the same.

Younger employees surveyed also prefer more frequent social interaction with their managers. Twenty-six percent of Generation Y employees said they would like to socialize with their boss at least monthly, as did 21% of Generation X respondents. However, only 16% of baby boomers and 17% of traditionalists agreed.

The survey results were based on a national poll of 2,000 US workers conducted September 29 through October 1, 2006, and was compiled by Rasmussen Reports, LLC.

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