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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