For GenX and GenY, the work is defined relative to the Task, not based on the Time Spent
I had the opportunity to hear Tammy Erickson speak about the future of the workforce (Confab Conference, 11/29/2007). Tammy is co-author of Workforce Crisis: How to Beat the Coming Shortage of Skills and Talent . In her book, Ms. Erickson and her co-authors explore the world of work and the expectations of each of four generations (Traditionalists, Boomers, Gen X, and GenY). The authors identify a seismic shift that is starting to happen in the workforce as Boomers move into semi-retirement and leadership positions are held by Xers and Yers.
Tammy says Gen Yers are happy to do the work but cannot imagine taking 60 hours to do it or committing to the face-to-face posturing they see being done by elder generations.
Time to rethink the jobs to be done: How do we revise and redefine our Telesales jobs to ensure that we are prepared to respond to the GenY candidates who will be looking for a blend of work and life outside of work? Fascinating stuff. We need to embrace it now in order to define jobs in the near future. Check out Tammy Erickson’s blog on Harvard Business Online.

