Life Meets Work Survey Finds No Generation Of Employees Is Getting What They Want In A Leader At Work

CHICAGO,  Nov. 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Only 38% of Millennials report that their leader is skilled at responding to changing circumstances, the skill they value most in a leader, according to new leadership research announced by workforce consulting firm Life Meets Work.

The findings were similar for other generations, with no generation of employees consistently getting what they are most seeking from their leader. Only 51% of Gen Z respondents reported that their leader was effective at managing stress. Only 53% of Gen X employees reported that their leader was effective at coaching and only 59% of baby Boomers saw their leader as accountable.

Life Meets Work released the study in a report entitled Leading an Intergenerational Workforce, sponsored by Allianz. The survey, fielded among 1,000 college-educated U.S. employees, ages 18-70, asked respondents questions about the leadership of their immediate managers.

"With workforces increasingly having employees and leaders of several generations, it's important for companies to find ways to integrate styles and preferences across generations," said Kenneth Matos, psychologist and Vice President of Research for Life Meets Work, which conducted the study. "Our research highlights the need for companies to create policies and communications that are inclusive of all generations."

According to the report, an employee's generation affects which leadership competencies they most value. Overall, Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X employees are more focused on competencies associated with career growth, while baby Boomers are more concerned with predictability. However, only between 1/3 and 1/2 of each generation reported having a leader who was effective at their most valued leadership trait.

Employees were more likely to give high ratings to leaders of their same generation. They were also more likely to view leaders of the same generation as role models for their personal lives, careers, and work-life.   

"Fostering greater understanding and respect for varying generational preferences in technology, organizational culture, and leadership styles have been high priorities for employees and leaders at AGCS North America," said Karen Wendorf, AVP, Total Rewards and Workforce Planning, Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS), the report's sponsor. "We understand that in order to reap the benefits of generational diversity in the workplace we need to ensure that all employees receive the coaching they need to work with a diverse array of employees."

Lisa Lazarczyk
[email protected] or 781-646-0667

SOURCE Life Meets Work

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