B. boomers, X & Y gens want different fun at work

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - June 20, 2013 - PRLog -- Recent research and commentary on the differences between the Baby boomers, X gens and Y gens at work suggests that while they may all appreciate fun at work, the kind of fun they want might be different. Managers could presumably benefit from being attentive to these differences, in order to ensure that any fun had at their company, works for everyone.

Dr Kathryn Owler, director of the Joyworkz Centre for Wellness at Work, has published research in 2010 & more recently in 2012, that examines the meaning and value of fun to today’s workers. This research, combined with other research into the characteristics of Baby Boomer, X and Y gen workers, highlights some interesting differences.

Research indicates that Baby Boomers are generally an optimistic generation, who have enjoyed the security and prosperity that work has offered them. Because they enjoy their work, efforts to promote fun at work by managers are likely seen as a ‘nice to have’ rather than essential.

The X generation have been called the ‘lost generation’, raised under the cloud of nuclear holocaust and an uncertain job future. They tend to be cynical about the motives of corporates and want to know the reasons behind management fun at work initiatives. Because they are team players, they may prefer organic fun that emerges naturally from team banter, which they can verify as authentic.

Finally, the Y generation have grown up confident and optimistic, the apple of their Baby Boomer parent’s eye, wanting work where they can be listened to and where they can express their ideas. They have a looser sense of work-life boundaries and so, do expect to play at work. They are both collaborative and individualistic, wanting the opportunities to express own their ideas. This often leads to innovation. The Y gen therefore value social activities and game playing in break time fun e.g. pool tables, computer games. They also appreciate opportunities to have time during work to explore their own creative projects.  

Dr Kathryn Owler believes that these differences are significant for workplaces wanting to capitalise on the benefits of fun at work. The differences suggest that management need to find a way for the different generations to work and have fun together. She explains that the baby boomers “may need coaching to enjoy fun as a team, or accept the Y Generation’s need for flexibility. It may be necessary to spell out the reason for fun at work initiatives to X gens. The Y gen will enjoy social fun, but will also appreciate the opportunity to work on their own creative projects”. While one should never overly generalise, understanding these differences may be an important key for managers seeking to support and encourage staff.

To learn more about how to achieve fun and wellbeing within your company wellness programme go to www.joyworkz.com

About Joyworkz Center for Wellness at Work

Founded in early 2013, the Joyworkz Centre for Wellness at Work has grown out of a successful New Zealand business which provides a range of wellness services to companies. Having worked in the New Zealand business for a number of years, one of the directors, Dr Kathryn Owler wanted to share the Joyworkz vision – and take its message to the world. She therefore recently launched the centre in an effort to assist individuals and companies to experience fun and wellbeing at work.

Media Contact:

Dr Kathryn Owler

Auckland, New Zealand

www.joyworkz.com