Managing Diverse Expectations
I just finished working on an article for Talent Management magazine on the appropriateness of workplace romances and when managers should get involved. There were a few interesting tidbits, found in a recent Workplace Options study, that I’d like to share in this blog.
First, the study found discrepancies in the way that the different generations in today’s workplace perceive and engage in office romances.
For instance, while 59 percent of older workers would prefer to keep such relationships under wraps, only 38 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds feel the same way. In fact, the latter group is five times more likely to spread the word by posting it on Facebook.
Another key difference was in the way office romances are perceived.
While older workers say nothing good can come out of workplace relationships, younger workers disagree and say there are plenty of positive effects, such as attaining a higher social or professional status at work.
Differences were noted even with respect to gender. For instance, men are more willing than women to engage in workplace relationships with co-workers, supervisors or subordinates. More than half of the men polled also said public displays of affection should be allowed, whereas two-thirds of women think they should be banned.
Furthermore, even though it probably wasn’t cited in the study, I’m sure expectations and perceptions also vary greatly by culture and ethnicity.
Are you surprised by any of these findings? How would you recommend managing the actions and expectations of diverse groups of individuals in the workforce?
First, the study found discrepancies in the way that the different generations in today’s workplace perceive and engage in office romances.
For instance, while 59 percent of older workers would prefer to keep such relationships under wraps, only 38 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds feel the same way. In fact, the latter group is five times more likely to spread the word by posting it on Facebook.
Another key difference was in the way office romances are perceived.
While older workers say nothing good can come out of workplace relationships, younger workers disagree and say there are plenty of positive effects, such as attaining a higher social or professional status at work.
Differences were noted even with respect to gender. For instance, men are more willing than women to engage in workplace relationships with co-workers, supervisors or subordinates. More than half of the men polled also said public displays of affection should be allowed, whereas two-thirds of women think they should be banned.
Furthermore, even though it probably wasn’t cited in the study, I’m sure expectations and perceptions also vary greatly by culture and ethnicity.
Are you surprised by any of these findings? How would you recommend managing the actions and expectations of diverse groups of individuals in the workforce?
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