FM Walsh & Associates Inc.

Imagine this, myself of Generation “Y” in a room full of Baby Boomers at a recent networking event. One Boomer commented, “Young people just don’t want to work as hard as we do, I can’t even bribe them with money.” This conversation got me thinking about what my generation will look like in 15 years at the height of our careers when the majority of Boomers are retired.

As the average Yer’s work-week drops from 40 to 35 hours to include more leisure time, activities done outside of work will become an experience rather than a rushed chore. A trip to the grocery store will be transformed into a learning experience as buyers continue to educate themselves about nutrition in the food they are buying. Purchasing decisions will be based on notions of “healthy choices”, “eco-friendliness” and “carbon footprints”.

How is this growing trend going to influence businesses? While those who package products will need to improve labeling, will businesses see this as an opportunity to offer more participation-oriented experiences? For example, a trip to the grocery store can turn into an afternoon event if there is a speaker discussing healthy eating habits.

How are you, as a business owner and employer, going to catch the ‘eyes’ of Generation Y?
-Katrina