Workplace Trends 2002 and Beyond Debra J. Cohen, Ph.D., SPHR Director of Research Society for Human Resource Management April 29, 2002

What does the future hold?

Workplace Influences 1. Technology 2. Demographics 3. Economics 4. Social/Cultural 5. Workplace Trends

Demographic Trends F A typical work environment contains workers from four generations: –“War and Depression Babies” - nearing or post traditional retirement age –Baby Boomers (76 million) –Generation X (41 million) –Generation Y (70 million)

Shifting Demographics F During the next decade, the majority of new workers will be women F “DEWKS” (dual-income with kids) now in the majority; DINKS still around F Most U.S. population growth and labor force growth will be Hispanic F Global workforce growth will come predominantly from outside the U.S. F Who are the workers of tomorrow?

Essential Demographics of Today’s College Students F Perhaps due to increasingly competitive college admissions, HS teachers are awarding more “A” grades than ever –(31.6% in 1997 compared to 12.5% in 1969) F Public and HS teachers are reporting greater absenteeism and tardiness F The average student in 1997 spent 3.8 hours per week studying compared to 4.9 hours spent in 1987

Essential Demographics of Today’s College Students F Between 1986 and 1995 most categories of violent crime increased substantially for U.S. youths under age 18 F Suicide rate of year olds increased from 3.6 (in 100,000) in 1960 to 11.1% in 1990 F In 1995, 14.3% of males in grades 9-12 carried a weapon (gun, knife or club) on school property on one or more days during any one month F The number of teachers who reported being threatened with physical injury or attacked by a student during the previous 12 months increased from 10% to 15% between 1991 and 1994

Ethnic Composition of the American Workforce Pink: Asian Green: Hispanic Blue: Black Grey: White

The U.S. College Market F Gender –age gap began in the 80s; women outnumber men –enrollment for women shows high growth rates –gender gap will continue to widen F Race and Ethnicity –minorities gain on campus, but blacks and hispanics remain under-represented –college enrollment tripled among African Am. –Foreign students a major presence on college campuses

The U.S. College Market F Economic Status –college students tend to come from traditional families - most with high incomes –inflationary trend continues into 2001 –students who borrow have best chance of earning degrees –employment common among college population - more than 4.5 million FT students have jobs

The U.S. College Market F Values –students less concerned about status –political action downplayed –private life emphasized –business is most popular major field of study F Health Issues –cigarette smoking increases –healthy habits decline in college –anxiety levels increase

What College Candidates Expect of Employers: Cornell Study Study of Graduates : F Realistic recruiting F Job training F Career clarity F Career development F Work autonomy F Work tasks F Job alternatives F Mentoring/coaching

Criteria Candidates Consider When Choosing an Employer NACE Study of graduating college students: F Opportunity for advancement (45%) F Good benefits package (34%) F Continuing educ/training opportunities (33.4%) F Starting salary offers (31.1%) F Job Duties/responsibilities (28.8%) F Geographic location (25.4%) F Integrity in dealings with employees (23.8%)

Occupational Changes

Occupational Mix Pink: 1994 Green: 2005

What to Expect from a Generation Y Worker F Most Colorblind Generation in U.S. History F The career principle most frequently cited as “extremely important” by year olds is “to help others who need help.” F According to study of the Journal of the American Medical Association, 35% of people (the leading edge of Gen Y) -- used alternative medicine in the last 12 months F Only 38% strongly believe Social Security Benefits will be there when they want to retire

What to Expect from a Generation Y Worker F Not very impressed with positional power F Just 8% of year olds surveyed recently said it’s “extremely important” to have people report to them F More than 40% say option of working from home in the future is “extremely important” F One third said it is “extremely important” for employers to provide benefits to same-sex partners

Integrating Generation Y F Explain how work contributes to the organization’s bottom line F Always provide full disclosure F Create customized career paths F Allow them to have input into decisions F Give them public praise F Treat them as sophisticated consumers F Encourage the use of mentors F Provide access to innovative technology F Consider new benefits and compensation strategies F Offer opportunities for community involvement