Changing Etiquette in the Workplace
March 2024
By Kim Harris, M.Ed.
Distinctive Voice Consulting
www.DistinctiveVoiceConsulting.com
Los Angeles based band The
Byrds had a famous song called, “Turn, Turn, Turn,” which told the story of the
changes in life. This song comes to mind as I think of the fluctuations of life
in the work place, post Covid, and recent reports on how GenZ is blending into
the fold of the workforce. For the first time in modern history, there are five
generations in the workforce: The Traditionalists, also known as the Veterans,
the Silent Generation and the Greatest Generation were born between 1922 and
1945, Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, Generation X, born between 1965
and 1980, Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, and Generation Z, born between
1997 and 2012.
With these five
generations comes a clash of culture in dress, communication, and manners.
Generations of the past leaned towards formality like dressing up to have
dinner at home, with younger folks addressing their elders as Mister and Mrs.
or Sir or Ma’am, and using full words in oral and written communications such
as grocery store instead of “grosh” for short, or merchandise instead of “merch.”
We are most definitely less formal today than our grandparents. Add to the multiple
generations in the workplace, the coming of age of Gen Z in college and as new
hires in the workplace. With this age diversity one can see the challenges that
exist in the adjustments that need to be made. We have all seen the commercials
of people attending meetings where they are business on the top, and party on
the bottom, i.e. a dressy shirt and pajama pants or fuzzy slippers. But we need
to remember that there does need to be a boundary between work life and personal
life and this is the conversation that needs to be had.
To address these
adjustments, Distinctive Voice Consulting has created a new workshop titled, “Changing Etiquette in the Workplace: How to be
Professional in Modern Times.” This workshop is for young adults and anyone who
believes they can use help navigating professionalism in today’s society.
In this workshop, participants will learn how to
identify the difference between professional and unprofessional written and
verbal communication, as well as discussions on professional attire for the
workplace. DVC uses video, interactive quizzes, and discussion to unpack topics
in a safe, authentic and judgment free environment. The workshop will be held
via Zoom and will last between 1 ½ to 2 hours. If you are interested in getting
on the waist list for this workshop, email DistinctiveVoiceConsulting@gmail.com
To learn more about
Distinctive Voice Consulting’s training and consulting visit: www.DistinctiveVoiceConsulting.com
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