Generation Blame Game

I regularly hear complaints from employers and managers about how employees waste an inordinate amount of time on the internet at work, citing the 'kids of today', 'generation me' and other generalisations, neglecting that this practice exists through out the workforce, regardless of age, sex or other grouping.

Applying for other jobs, facebooking, msming, bidding on e-Bay, and the list goes on. All the while, looking like they are doing their work.  Some companies try to block certain websites, screen e-mails and introduce elaborate Internet usage polices, occasionally dismissing an offending employee to set an example.

It brings back memories of doing Organisational Behaviour 101 at uni. First assignment:  what we should do if our employees were spending a lot of time talking around the water coolers (yes, just writing that sentence makes me feel old). 80% of the class spent 2500 words justifying removing the water cooler and discipline the employees for wasting time. Sound familiar?

There is some basis in generational issues in the workplace but maybe the generational difference is being overused as a scapegoat for poor workplace environments and lack of management skill.

So, what can you be doing? Work out why your employees are so bored that they are spending your time surfing the net. Have you got the right people – might need to look at how well your selection processes match actual requirements? Does your culture encourage the behaviour – what do your leaders do? Do you need a more engaging and exciting workplace? Have your employees got enough to do? Answer some of these questions and you will be on the right path.