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Communication and rewards critical to managing generational differences according to global workplace survey

Differences in communication style and attitudes toward rewards are key factors managers should address in juggling the the needs of the three main generations in the Hungarian workplace, Gen Y (aged 18-29), Gen X (aged 30-47), and baby boomers (aged 48-65), according to the latest findings from an international workplace survey.

The survey, by global workforce solutions leader Kelly Services, finds that Gen Y is increasingly using instant messaging, yet all age groups overwhelmingly prefer face-to-face communication. When receiving rewards and bonuses, many older workers opt for monetary payments, while many Gen Y prefer non-cash items such as time off work and training opportunities.


The Kelly Global Workforce Index obtained the views of nearly 100,000 people in 34 countries including more than 5,000 in Hungary.

Kelly Services -Aniko Jonas, Managing Director of Kelly Services Hungary Ltd.- said that generational differences can sometimes cause friction between employees, but when properly managed, can also be a source of growth.

The survey also finds that 39 percent of Hungarian respondents say the differences between Gen Y, Gen X and baby boomers make the workplace more productive, while 17 percent say they interfere with productivity and 34 percent say they make no difference.

"When the differences between the age groups are harnessed effectively, they can provide a powerful stimulus to creativity and productivity. Rather than trying to smother this diversity, good employers are utilizing it to generate fresh ideas and new ways of doing business," Jonas says.

Among the key findings of the survey:

  • Baby boomers believe they understand the generational differences better than Gen Y or Gen X
  • Gen Y are the most pessimistic about the productivity benefits flowing from diverse age groups in the workplace
  • In communicating with colleagues, all generations prefer face-to-face discussion over written or electronic communication
  • More than half (59 percent) say they have experienced intergenerational conflicts in their workplace.

There is acknowledgement across the spectrum that age-related differences do impact on the way people go about their work, and 59 percent say they adapt their communication style in dealing with colleagues from a different generation.

Aniko Jonas says it is important that employers recognize the key differences between the generations that can be effectively managed in order to achieve a harmonious balance and a productive work environment.

"Juggling these pressures is challenging but by addressing issues such as compensation and internal communications amongst others, it is possible to reap the benefit from a diverse group of people, and generate conditions that can help organizations to flourish," Aniko Jonas concludes.


About the Kelly Global Workforce Index
The Kelly Global Workforce Index is a survey revealing opinions about work and the workplace from a generational viewpoint. Results of the current findings from across Kelly's global operations in North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific will be published throughout 2009 in a series of six releases.

About Kelly Services
Kelly Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: KELYA, KELYB) is a world leader in workforce management services and human resources solutions.  Kelly offers a comprehensive array of temporary staffing, permanent placement, outsourcing, and consulting services.  Kelly serves clients around the globe and provides employment to 650,000 employees annually.  Revenue in 2008 was $5.5 billion.  Visit www.kellyservices.com.

Media contact: 

Aniko Jonas
Managing Director
E-mail: ajonas@kellyservices.hu
Tel: 06-1/354-2770