Has the work ethic changed?

[LindsayDunn228]

Towncrier, are you kidding me?! That's pathetic!! (the McD's thing)

 

[chobie]

My wife told me that there is a local McDonalds that is having such a problem finding reliable teenage workers (meaning that they show up for their assigned shifts) that they have instituted a new policy. After the teen shows up for work, she/he clocks in, grabs a soft drink, and then sits down for an hour to do homework. On the clock. Then after an hour, they go to work for their full shift. Apparently the teens like the idea of being paid to do homework.

Sounds like a good incentive, but it is alarming that some kids today feel the need to get paid to do their homework.

Then again, I am answering this thread at work, so perhaps I am being a bit hypocritical???

I think McDonald's should be commended for that. Personally I won't let my teen work during th school year. Her school work and extra-curricular activites are more important. But my DH taught highschool is poor area many of these kids had to work to help out their families. Sad situation, but if McD's willing to do that I think its great and they should get good PR for that.

Maybe part of the "bad" work ethic is the rise in working poor in this country. If you are working full time and still can't put food on the table or take your kids to the doctor when the sick, why would you give a rip about your job?

 

[yeartolate]

So for someone that didn't have that work ethic, why should they develop one when it's not rewarded?

Entry level nurses (remember you can get an RN in 2-3 years, not necessarilly 4!) in my area get compensated well. Starting wage for fulltime nurses ends up being $45,000 (often more) plus full benefits. That is exceptional compensation for someone who possibly is barely old enough to drink alcohol!


Sadly I wish I could say that the new nurse without a work ethic was the exception rather than the rule, but I am not seeing it. Nurses used to go into nursing because it was their "calling" but now many enter nursing for the money - the fact that there is an extreme nursing shortage fuels the fire.

I was asked to "thank" a younger coworker who finally started to show up to work on time (she was habitiually almost 20 minutes late - nurses on this board will acknowledge that the first 20 minutes of the shift are busy with reports and narcotic counts, etc). I told my boss I would thank her if I was permitted to say "thank you for achieving the absolute bare minimum acceptable standard for punctuality". Needless to say, I kept my mouth shut.

 

[TDC Nala]

i truly believe life skills classes need to be a prominant part of the high school curriculum (job seeking skills, preparing for the oral interview, mock oral interviews, work ethics, time managment, fiscal responsibility (or what i like to call "what you make aint what you take-a.k.a. your salary as compared to your actual take home pay ).

Also teach 'em how to balance a checkbook and manage a credit account. And probably a bit about investing.

Companies are laying people off, but there are so many jobs available that new hires can demand more "stuff" and have attendance issues? These are weird times.

 

[HoneyPooh]

I do think the work ethic has changed. My 20 yo son has a far better work ethic at this time than I do! Unfortunately I've had 24 years of employers to abuse me to take the work ethic right out of me. I know good employees are hard to come by but good employers are not a dime a dozen either.

I've always been a "go the extra mile" employee. I've cleaned/painted/moved furniture on my days off at times, ran a chart to a doctor through a snow storm after work, helped plan and execute surprise parties for spouses etc for years now. I haven't found an employer yet who realizes that none of these things are a part of the job description and so when they can't be done should not reflect on a job performance evaluation and should not be reflected in a raise. If I can't stay late just one time you ask me to, it shouldn't make me a bad employee. Especially when I stayed late four other times that week! Within a year the "extra mile" always become just another mile and part of your job.

Boy, I sound jaded don't I

 

[jimmalru80]

YES, it has changed. In the past, it was "what can you (employee) do for me (employer). Now it is what will you (employer) do for me (employee).

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Also teach 'em how to balance a checkbook and manage a credit account. And probably a bit about investing.

When I graduated high school (1996), all seniors had to have a semester of economics, which you learned these things.

 

[bicker]

YES, it has changed. In the past, it was "what can you (employee) do for me (employer). Now it is what will you (employer) do for me (employee).

Rather, I think it is now both of these, where before it was "What can we do together?"

 

[shellybaxter]

I do think the work ethic has changed. My 20 yo son has a far better work ethic at this time than I do! Unfortunately I've had 24 years of employers to abuse me to take the work ethic right out of me. I know good employees are hard to come by but good employers are not a dime a dozen either.

I've always been a "go the extra mile" employee. I've cleaned/painted/moved furniture on my days off at times, ran a chart to a doctor through a snow storm after work, helped plan and execute surprise parties for spouses etc for years now. I haven't found an employer yet who realizes that none of these things are a part of the job description and so when they can't be done should not reflect on a job performance evaluation and should not be reflected in a raise. If I can't stay late just one time you ask me to, it shouldn't make me a bad employee. Especially when I stayed late four other times that week! Within a year the "extra mile" always become just another mile and part of your job.

Boy, I sound jaded don't I

As a supervisor I'm not even asking for or expecting the "go the extra mile" employee. I simply want an employee who comes to work on time and doesn't leave before their shift is over. Somewhere in between it would be nice if they performed some of the duties they are assigned, but honestly, just getting them to show up is a big deal. While my field as a whole doesn't pay great, we pay well for the field, so I just don't understand it. There is a criteria on the performance evaluation that judges whether an employee "remains on the job after reporting in the morning". I laughed when I first read this. I thought, "isn't that just a you understood thing?" Well, I'll tell you what, I end up marking people down on that criteria all the time now. I think something is wrong when you can't even expect employees to stay at work.

 

[Tigger_Magic]

Has the work ethic changed? You bet it has... just look at Dilbert (the cartoon). Too many people today discovered Dilbert's little secret: they get paid whether they do anything at work or not.

 

[Planogirl]

Another trend is that younger workers are replacing older workers at an alarming rate. It saves companies money to lay off the more experienced workers and replace them with younger workers as needed.

I remember in one workplace hearing a few kids comment that they felt no need to work hard because chances are that they'd be out on the streets later on once they'd gained some experience. I believe that this happens all too often nowadays or at least people have that belief as I do.

 

[experiment626mom]

Definitely. The people in their twenties do not want to work their way to the top. They want to start in management positions without knowledge or skills required to be in these positions. They take time off whenever they want and come and go as they please.

 

[luvthatduke]

As a supervisor I'm not even asking for or expecting the "go the extra mile" employee. I simply want an employee who comes to work on time and doesn't leave before their shift is over. Somewhere in between it would be nice if they performed some of the duties they are assigned, but honestly, just getting them to show up is a big deal. While my field as a whole doesn't pay great, we pay well for the field, so I just don't understand it. There is a criteria on the performance evaluation that judges whether an employee "remains on the job after reporting in the morning". I laughed when I first read this. I thought, "isn't that just a you understood thing?" Well, I'll tell you what, I end up marking people down on that criteria all the time now. I think something is wrong when you can't even expect employees to stay at work.

That is just so, so sad... I am speechless!

 

[Aimeedyan]

Definitely. The people in their twenties do not want to work their way to the top. They want to start in management positions without knowledge or skills required to be in these positions. They take time off whenever they want and come and go as they please.

As someone in her twenties, I think it's important to point out that not ALL those act that way. I actually know few that do in my line of work or circle of friends but I do realize they are out there (esp when I worked PT jobs on the side during grad school!). DH and I have a circle of friends that are very successful, very hard working, and very established in their goals and dreams. I am sure that has something to do with the direction we took in our education and career, as well.

I have worked my rear off to get where I am now, and I think many 20 somethings have done that as well. I'm sorry you haven't met any in your line of work, that's saddening =(

 

[Caradana]

With respect to the OP, perhaps his observations lie in the fact that factory shift labor in Idaho is attracting a far different worker today than it did a generation ago. There was a time not long ago when the best, brightest, most ambitious tended to stay close to home, build lives in small towns, marry young, and complete education with a high school diploma. Today, the most ambitious kids in rural or small-town America tend to head off to college and find jobs in larger suburbs or cities, unencumbered by marriage or kids. The last generation's valedictorian at the small Idaho high school may well have been employed in factory shift labor, coming in early, leaving late and working hard. That valedictorian today is at Brigham Young University, and then professionally employed in Phoenix or Salt Lake or Boise. Not a judgment on one choice versus the other; just an observation.

People have moaned about the lackluster younger generation since the days of Socrates. Or Aristotle. Aristedes? One of them had a really funny quote about this before the time of Christ. Seriously. And we've all turned out OK, eh?

 

[Mom2be]

I love these threads - lets complain about the younger generation. When in actuallity I think the problem is that the younger generations have figured out that when the CEO of a company doesn't know your name they probably won't care if you are fired. Not to mention won't care that you didn't get a bonus you were counting on, or won't care if you take a paycheck. So why go the extra mile when you have much of chance of being fired doing 8 to 5 then if you worked overtime for free? Not to mention the baby boomer generation put so much emphasis on working for the man that many of their children were raised in child care facilities and have been latchkey kids. So just because I leave at 5pm on the nose because I feel it is important to spend that time with my family doesn't mean I have a weak work ethic - it just means I don't let my job be the only thing that defines who I am. There is more to life then work.

I come in at 8a.m. on the dot and do my job as described in my job description. I don't do extra, I don't do less. I take my breaks and my lunch - even if I'm busy. I leave at 5pm on the nose. I take all of my vacation time and personal time. I take the occasional sick day if I'm sick. I'm in the same position as the schmuck who works through lunch and doesn't use all his vacation time - so tell me which one of us is smarter?

Another thing - for people who come into work sick - DON'T! All you do is spread your germs and make everyone else sick around you. Nothing ticks me off more then someone coming into work sneezing and coughing all over the place. STAY HOME, I don't want to call in sick next week because you felt you "had" to come into work.

~Amanda

 

[barkley]

I love these threads - lets complain about the younger generation. When in actuallity I think the problem is that the younger generations have figured out that when the CEO of a company doesn't know your name they probably won't care if you are fired. Not to mention won't care that you didn't get a bonus you were counting on, or won't care if you take a paycheck. So why go the extra mile when you have much of chance of being fired doing 8 to 5 then if you worked overtime for free? Not to mention the baby boomer generation put so much emphasis on working for the man that many of their children were raised in child care facilities and have been latchkey kids. So just because I leave at 5pm on the nose because I feel it is important to spend that time with my family doesn't mean I have a weak work ethic - it just means I don't let my job be the only thing that defines who I am. There is more to life then work.

I come in at 8a.m. on the dot and do my job as described in my job description. I don't do extra, I don't do less. I take my breaks and my lunch - even if I'm busy. I leave at 5pm on the nose. I take all of my vacation time and personal time. I take the occasional sick day if I'm sick. I'm in the same position as the schmuck who works through lunch and doesn't use all his vacation time - so tell me which one of us is smarter?

Another thing - for people who come into work sick - DON'T! All you do is spread your germs and make everyone else sick around you. Nothing ticks me off more then someone coming into work sneezing and coughing all over the place. STAY HOME, I don't want to call in sick next week because you felt you "had" to come into work.

~Amanda

i don't mean to "insult" you but based on my experience you have a great work ethic. my issue is with the staff member that arrives at 8 on the dot and then takes 25 minutes to get coffee, chat with co-workers, finish putting on makeup (don't mean to be sexist-but i worked in a female dominated profession)...then ties up their bsns. phone lines with personal calls to mom, bank, travel agent (running real estate bsns on the side ), leaves for 20 minute break 10 minutes early because "it does'nt actualy start until i'm in the break room and i have to use the restroom, run to my car first", leaves for lunch 10 minutes early "cause i get x number of minutes to eat, so it does'nt start till i get my food" and then returns 15 minutes late to spend another 30 minutes eating the lunch/chatting at their desk with anyone who wanders by, and then stops answering client calls/doing productive work 25 minutes before 5 to gather their belongings, clean up their lunch clutter, run to the restroom for another make-up refresher, call a friend to confirm the evenings plans... these employees were the ones (in my experience) who responded to personnel reviews questioning their productivity with "well, it's unreasonable to expect someone to get that much done in an 8 hour day-i need overtime" (excuse me- but perhaps if you tried actualy working productivly for 8 hours you might be in a better position to guage what is reasonable and what is not).

these same workers are now lamenting the possibility that their jobs will be privatized (i supervised for government) and possibly outsourced out of the country. but i cannot say that i blame my former employer for considering this-when it comes to the bottom line 8 hours of pay should equate to 8 hours of work.

 

[LadyBears]

i don't mean to "insult" you but based on my experience you have a great work ethic. my issue is with the staff member that arrives at 8 on the dot and then takes 25 minutes to get coffee, chat with co-workers, finish putting on makeup (don't mean to be sexist-but i worked in a female dominated profession)...then ties up their bsns. phone lines with personal calls to mom, bank, travel agent (running real estate bsns on the side ), leaves for 20 minute break 10 minutes early because "it does'nt actualy start until i'm in the break room and i have to use the restroom, run to my car first", leaves for lunch 10 minutes early "cause i get x number of minutes to eat, so it does'nt start till i get my food" and then returns 15 minutes late to spend another 30 minutes eating the lunch/chatting at their desk with anyone who wanders by, and then stops answering client calls/doing productive work 25 minutes before 5 to gather their belongings, clean up their lunch clutter, run to the restroom for another make-up refresher, call a friend to confirm the evenings plans... these employees were the ones (in my experience) who responded to personnel reviews questioning their productivity with "well, it's unreasonable to expect someone to get that much done in an 8 hour day-i need overtime" (excuse me- but perhaps if you tried actualy working productivly for 8 hours you might be in a better position to guage what is reasonable and what is not).

these same workers are now lamenting the possibility that their jobs will be privatized (i supervised for government) and possibly outsourced out of the country. but i cannot say that i blame my former employer for considering this-when it comes to the bottom line 8 hours of pay should equate to 8 hours of work.

I think we all work with at least 1 person like that!

The other thing I am tired of hearing - not just from younger people - but from the newest is So & So (who has been at the job for 7 years)gets paid more than me - let So & So do the job. UUUhh yeah- don't forget that that employee started where you were. In 7 years are you going to want to hear a "newbie" say that to you? In 7 years, if you actually do your job, you may get the same pay raises and be where So & So was now.

 

[kristen821]

At my job, Nobody over works themselves, but I find the people with more time in the company are the laziest. It is really hard to get fired from my job. I don't agree so much with the statement that younger people are lazier, but I do think a lot of people in thier 20's have nothing to lose because they live with thier parents so if they are fired for poor work performance it really doesn't matter to them.

 

[kristen821]

At my work it is the opposite. The more time they have the lazier they get. I am sure a lot of younger people may be lazy because they have nothing to lose they still live with thier parents. But in my experience it is always the people with the most time that are the most lazy