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Generation Gap
Thoughts 16 years ago No Comments

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For many a college senior, securing a good job upon graduation is at the top of the 2008 resolution list, but apparently the traditional student’s – i.e., around 22-years-old – idea of the workplace isn’t quite the same as that of the generationgap.gifprevious generations. In fact, how these age groups – the Millennials, the Gen Xers, the Baby Boomers, and the Silent Generation – approach, navigate, and intermingle within today’s working environment is the subject of much discussion these days.

My friend Terri Maurer, FASID, Owner of Maurer Consulting Group, will be teaching the course “Recruiting, Retaining and Managing an Age-diverse Workforce” at Interiors 08 in New Orleans this March, and I’m sure we will encounter classes on similar topics at both NeoCon 2008 and METROCON08 as well. One of the better dialogues that I’ve seen on the subject, however, is the CBS 60 Minutes segment titled "The ‘Millennials’ Are Coming". For those who are in the position of hiring and managing this up-n-coming group, the 13-minute segment might be an eye-opener.

I’m extremely interested in getting feedback on this subject – from ALL the generations mentioned above – as it pertains to the architecture and design industry. The topic tends to be sensitive, so I hope it inspires quite a few of you to respond. Just email contact@plinthandchintz.com and put “Generations” in the subject line. Since I plan on compiling the answers and publishing them in future issues, be sure to let me know if you want your name to be used or not. I can definitely keep it anonymous if that is your preference.

Laura McDonald Stewart, ASID / IIDA
Interior Designer / Founder