By Molly Cain
This is part of a series exposing the inner thoughts and candid assumptions of every generation in the workplace so we can better understand each other. Because really, we all want to know, “What WAS she thinking?”
Have you ever come across a woman in the office who completely baffles you? And in a quick brief moment you blame it on her age…or her entire generation? (come on, don’t lie)
Perhaps she arrives at the office late in the morning and you wonder if she’s really staying late into the night (it’s more likely she’s a slacker). Or she confided in you that when she leaves work for the day, she goes home to a television-free home to spend time with a cup of coffee, her husband and absolutely no connection to the internet (it must be torturous to not understand technology). Maybe she’s the peppy one, always in the boss’ office asking for another assignment and possibly even tattled on you for one reason or another (geez, suck-up!). Or she’s the one you’ve never really seen face-to-face, because her’s is always tilted down staring at an iPhone screen (wow, isn’t communication important anymore?).
These special moments are usually brought to you by the sweeping statements that paint entire generations in the workplace. And our sometimes troubling habit of jumping to conclusions when it comes to our colleagues.
In this installment of Generation Faceoff, I asked opinionated and successful female members of every generation to give you their real opinions on typical workplace “stuff.”
This time, we talk about how they want to be recognized, what they like to do at lunch and what they really think about social media at work. What they have to say (and who says it) may very well surprise you.
How do you like to be recognized for a job well done?
The 20’s
“I am so not about monetary reward. Pay me a fair wage consistently, and I’ll knock it out of the park for you. Pay me commissions on top of a pittance of a salary to “motivate” me to achieve your goals? I will quickly resent that environment, because it tells me “you’re only worth a fair price sometimes.”’ Lauren Miller, Vice President of Leadership Gold 4 Women
“Public recognition is great when you’re trying to brand yourself as an authority figure and build up your name in the industry. But money is always a great motivator. I would say those two would be ideal.” Rebecca Benison, Editor and Business Development
The 30’s
“Money is great, but I prefer to be rewarded with autonomy. If my working style means that I need a two hour break at 4PM but am back at the office from 6 till 8 to produce stellar work, I'm not sure why any employer would care - but most do." Jackie Danicki, Director of Social Communications
“Time! Time was the main reason I went into business for myself. Over the years my average "salary" may have been higher working for someone else but the amount of hours and when I work has decreased. I'm able to take time off with my family and friends and control my own schedule. You can't put a price tag on time. This seems to mean even more to me now that I'm a mother and having lost my own mother about 6 years ago before I had my own children.” Dreama Lee, Co-Founder, InternProfits.com
The 40’s
“For me, time is more important than money, although I'll take both! Official recognition is less important, since I already work hard to develop my reputation and profile in the community.” Dr. Sarah Samaan, Cardiologist and Author of Best Practices for a Healthy Heart
The 50’s
“I like to be rewarded monetarily and by personal thank you notes. I appreciate private recognition more than public recognition.” Susan Steinbrecher, Leadership Expert and Best-Selling Author
How do you spend your lunch hour?
The 20’s
““Eat! Our bodies need rest and fuel to be recharged for the rest of the day. I try and encourage others to use that lunch hour to eat, drink water and get ready for round 2.” Lou Lomibao, Co-Founder of Event Finds
“The old saying, "Do as I say, not as I do," is reflective of how I spend my lunch. I always encourage people to take their hour to themselves and really unwind during lunch, but more often than not, I can be found eating at my desk. I think it's part of working in digital media, and always wanting to be aware of when news hits, and of what's being said. My office has a view of a nice park on 2nd Avenue, so over the summer, I'm much more likely to break away for lunch and enjoy it outside with colleagues. Having a TJ Maxx down the street is also nice.” Alexandra Kirsch, Director at MC Interactive
The 30’s
“I go to a local church, mostly to sit still and not check my phone for an hour. A regular crowd comes every lunchtime, and it's become a welcome way of breaking up the day with calm and friendly faces who have no idea what I do for a living.” Jackie Danicki, Director of Social Communications
“I eat over my laptop.” Felena Hanson, Founder of Hera Hub
The 40’s
“Many times my "lunch hour" is spent in meetings, catching up on phone calls or patients' charts, or conferring with colleagues. Often there is no "lunch hour" at all- just a few minutes to eat the yogurt and crackers that I packed for lunch that morning.” Dr. Sarah Samaan, Cardiologist and Author of Best Practices for a Healthy Heart
The 50’s
“What lunch hour? Yesterday I had lunch at 3:30 p.m. (my turkey sandwich from my lunch bag packed that morning). Many times I add on more patients in the office and work through lunch. I'm a bit like a plough horse, I'm harnessed up in the morning and I plough the fields till they are done. If I'm lucky I get a nose-bag. If I do sit down to eat it's for about 5 minutes.” Dr. Diane Radford, Breast Surgeon
“I don't take lunch, I work. I eat at my desk, which is usually a light snack.” Kris Keppeler, Purchasing
The 70’s (Yes, the 70’s!)
"I spend two days a week with people who can add to our business; one day a week taking a client out: one day a week with one of our faculty members just to stay in tune and touch: one day a week is open, and five days a week gaining weight to be worked off during the weekend." Petey Parker, Founder of Petey Parker and Associates
Do you think you (or your employees) should have access to social media while at work?
The 20’s
“Instead of blocking social media or taking things away, I'd prefer to set performance goals. As long as the goals are being met, who cares if some time is being spent on Facebook? People will come up with new and creative ways to waste time, regardless of whether social media is available. Before Twitter and Facebook, there was Minesweeper and Solitare.” Kari DePhillips, Owner of The Content Factory
The 30’s
“ I rely heavily on the Internet and this includes social media…the social media space has become an important communications channel for business – just look at the number of Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest accounts that are attached to commercial brands. On my part, I have even been known to promote company products and initiatives on my own social profiles.” Michelle Erickson, Director of Public Relations for Travelzoo, Inc.
“Social media can be a very powerful resource. I believe in restricted access. I think you should allow your employees to use it for specific projects and assignments. Some employees will be tempted to access it for personal use so you will have to regulate it.” Jamie Yahne, Owner of Glitzee Glee
The 40’s
“When I was still working in the Defense industry—and it is still the case today—social media is not allowed during the work day. As an author, social media is an essential part of publicizing and marketing my work and an indispensible tool.” Amy Waters Yarsinske, Author
The 50’s
“Yes, on your lunch hour. I see it as the same as access to your email during your lunch hour. If it’s your time, not company time, you should have access.” Kris Keppeler, Purchasing
The 70’s
“Yes – as long as the company policy allows it and all expectations of job accomplishments are met to everyone satisfaction and agreement.” Petey Parker, Founder of Petey Parker and Associates
Generations. They’re often the topic of conversation when it comes to workplace accusations, sighs of frustration and more often than not, a bit of healthy (or dangerous) water cooler talk. This series is intended to debunk the myths associated with the generations (or, in some cases, prove some). And ultimately, help eliminate the sweeping brush strokes of assumptions when it comes to our age groups and how we handle things in the workplace.
Are you interested in taking out the mystery and joining us in the Generation Faceoff? Let me know.
Molly Cain, is a banker-by-day, CEO of GlassHeel.com, and an award-winning communicator with a passion for bringing a bit of creativity into the workplace. When she’s not at the office or on Glass Heel, Molly’s running half-marathons, traveling or hanging out with her retired racing greyhounds. Follow Molly on Twitter @MollyCain.
