Poll Shows Generational Gap in Workplace Training Programs

Raleigh, N.C. — July 12

Millennials, who grew up in the Internet age, learn and communicate differently than baby boomers — and the results of a new national poll show current approaches to workplace training are struggling to meet the needs of this younger generation.

A poll of American workers commissioned by Workplace Options, a provider of work-life programs and employee benefits, shows that younger workers have decidedly different views on the value and scope of workplace training programs compared to their older counterparts. Among younger workers, age 18 to 29:

• 75 percent said workplace trainings would be more valuable if they were available remotely through hand-held mobile devices — 40 percent of respondents age 30 to 45, and only 26 percent age 46 to 65 reflected this view.

• 63 percent said training sessions would be more valuable if they were shorter and less time-consuming — compared to just 39 percent of respondents overall and 36 percent age 30 to 45.

• 95 percent said they would feel more comfortable talking to managers and supervisors if internal communications training was provided at their current workplace — 67 percent of respondents age 30 to 45 and 66 percent of workers age 46 to 65 felt the same.

"Workers under the age of 30 grew up with different tools and expectations than middle-aged workers and baby boomers," said Dean Debnam, chief executive officer of Workplace Options. "As a result, they process and absorb information differently than previous generations. Younger professionals are more inclined to communicate and interact effectively through technology, so the standard model of one person lecturing to a room full of people may not be the most productive approach to reach this age group."

Challenges of a Mobile Workforce

Projections indicate that advances in technology coupled with growing needs to reduce operating costs will increase the percentage of the American workforce working from remote locations over the coming years. The International Data Corporation (IDC) predicts that by the end of 2013, 75 percent of the U.S. workforce will have the ability to work remotely through mobile technology, which will put pressure on employers to adapt their own training methods.