Teaching an old newsdog new tricks
Our Mike Eppel brought you a story this morning about the generation gap at work. Experts are saying that the onus is on the younger workers to keep a cap on their hip catchphrases, not try to socialize with older coworkers and to treat them with respect.
With all due respect to the experts, my experience in the 680 newsroom would cause me to disagree!
Perhaps it’s because we’re in media, our atmosphere is more casual and collaborative than most office settings, but except for the respect part I’d say the advice is all backwards.
The younger employees in the 680 newsroom actually help to keep us all young. They bring information about their interests, share their catchphrases and socialize with those of us who have the time and inclination. The mix of ages and experiences brings textures to our workplace that we would not have otherwise.
The fact that the younger members of our teams feel comfortable enough to joke around with us and be themselves with us is a sign that a comfortable working environment has been created. As long as we all play fair and with integrity and respect there’s no reason why workers of different ages can’t work and play together well.
September 28th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
I cannot agree with you more! We always tell the “young ones” that we live our lives through them now!
October 1st, 2007 at 7:57 am
I completely, 100% agree! I, too, work in media (advertising) and never had a problem being friendly with the younger generation. I didn’t try to befriend them but, like you, found they kept us all current. I enjoyed hearing about a “club night” (I would ask: So. how was it last night?) or the newest video game, or latest musicians to hit town. I am past clubbing and concerts but that doesn’t mean I’m not curious about what’s going on.
There’s a warped perception of this “older” generation. We aren’t our Moms running around in “house” dresses disconnected from anyone under 30. Soon enough, this will become evident but what’s taking it so long?
October 3rd, 2007 at 12:18 am
One word: FACEBOOK!