Workforce Article
Kimberly McHenry
English 3000
Paper 1

Changes throughout the years specifically in the workforce have caused major concern to employers. In particular, the skills and knowledge that people are taking to the workforce after graduation are just not enough. This is the current debate between employers, are people really ready to go out into the workforce and work. It is imperative that our young people attain the basic skills and knowledge necessary to join this modern workforce. Without these skills and knowledge, employers have no choice but to hire less than average employees. Steve Gavatorta explains that one of the common issues he experiences in the workforce is the difference between three generations; Baby Boomers, Generation X’ers, and the Generation Y’ers. The three generation has a particular work ethic that eventually ends up being a challenge for all. In order to understand the differences between these generations one has to comprehend the characteristics each one demonstrates. Baby Boomers are born between 1946 and 1964. They have a very strong work ethic, goal oriented, highly competitive and independent. Generations X’ers are born between 1965 and 1980. They are considered to be proficient in technology, individualistic and value a work-life balance. The Generation Y’ers are born after 1980 and are very tech savvy, crave attention, team oriented and family-centric (Gavatorta, 2012, p.60) At this time, the retirement of the baby-boomers is considered to be unfortunate because this generation will take with them an incredible base of knowledge and skills that will no longer be shared with the younger generations. For employers this is crucial for the reason that their chances of hiring talented people become slim to almost none. This raises major apprehension within the workforce. The immediate solution to this dilemma is to ensure that the upcoming adults are well prepared in these areas. According to Gavatorta, understanding how each generation works will improve the communication amongst one another and employer’s reports that many of the new entrants lack skills essential to job success. The skills most important to employers include Professionalism/Work Ethic, Oral and Written Skills Communication, Teamwork/Collaboration and Critical Thinking/Problem Solving. Clearly the expectations that employers have toward employees are not being met. Because there is such a deficiency in skills and knowledge employers find themselves frustrated. Even though two-year and four-year college graduates are better prepared than high school they lack skills such as leadership and written communications. Interestingly all levels of education are in major need of improvement. It is alarming that in the millennium there is such a lack of basic knowledge and applied skills. People need to understand the expectations and criteria that employers will be requiring. One of the major requirements is having an education beyond high school. This means that in a few years to come, the number of new hires to increase will be from college graduates. Entry level positions will be taken by college graduates with a specific degree in the field. Of course this brings forth a fundamental question whether or not the U.S. is preparing our youth to succeed on the workplace. Sarah Predmore couldn’t have said it more clearly when she stated, “preparing students for success also means teaching them about the importance of having a positive work ethic” (Predmore, S., p.52). Workforce readiness has become a critical issue which places distress to business leaders. As we live in a global economy that is technology based, the requirement to live up to these complex standards should be met by all people entering the workforce. All graduates should perform at a much higher standard than just the ordinary person. The authors make a very vital point that business leaders should also step up the plate and become more involved in assisting students achieves the skills needed. After all, it is also the responsibility of the community to raise children to well-rounded citizens that can work side-by-side in the workplace. If children and young adults are taught from a young age what is expected of them, then no matter how society changes in time there would not be such a huge gap between how generations act in the workplace.

References
Gatorta, Steve. XY. 2012. www.astd.org/TD
Predmore, S. 2005. Another Positive for Career and Technical Education. A Good Work Ethic. Techniques. 52-55.