Work ethic refers to the code of conduct in the workplace. Just as values differ with age, so it would seem in the case of work ethic. Some new research suggests that middle-aged people are as generally having a stronger work ethic, while the younger generation—folks between the ages of 18 to 35 years typically are not believed to have the same work ethic as their predecessors.
Some research suggests that one of the primary reasons for this variance in work ethic may be because these many companies are in transition to stay competitive and have resorted to pink slips, lay offs, pay cuts and so on. There is no surety of financial security even if an employee showed exceptional talent and dedication in his performance. Doing what you are told no longer gives employees job security.
Some also research suggests that Generation X is a generation of lazy, non-dedicated, materialistic workers, where all they want is quick money without the hard work involved. However, I believe that many will agree that that is not the case. When Gen-Xers see that hard work doesn’t always pay off--and can still result in layoffs, they cannot be blamed for obviously seeing no value in sticking to one organization for very long.
One of the most interesting stereotypes of Generation X is that they are risk takers. Therefore, when they see an opportunity with better pay and career prospects, they often do not shy away from accepting the challenges of a new job and having to deal with new people. This is a generation that believes that change is the essence of life. One can argue that this generation doesn’t often attach emotions to their work. However, we are all living in difficult times, where if any of us don’t move along, we may be pushed out, discontinued and/or replaced. Since we are now a GLOBAL marketplace, there is lot more competition in these present days, compared to any years in the past.
For Generation X, they need to be technically savvy and able to survive in a changing workplace. Work ethics for people at the onset of a new career need to be dependable, have the ability to be a ‘go-getter’, should be able to work well in a team, able to keep abreast of technological advancements, must be highly computer literate and possess the necessary skills as the job demands. The ability to think out of the box is what distinguishes Generation X from the other generations.
Who would ever imagine that a teenager or someone in their early twenties can become a millionaire just by hosting a social media website where friends meet friends? Mark Zuckerberg who changed the Internet world and modes of communication through his revolutionary “Facebook”, is a billionaire, and he is still in his twenties!
The world of internet and Web 2.0 has changed the equations. The work ethics are now more demanding on this generation. Many people can work from home, but they are putting in lot more hours than an average office go-er.
With all said and done, the most important work ethic for Generation X remains commitment and communication skills. No matter if he or she is working in a traditional organization, or is self employed working with people of different nationalities, work ethic is important. Learning how to get the best out of every worker, no matter the generation is a constantly changing part of the modern work environment.
