Bentley University’s Millennial Preparedness research study raised a number of issues about millennials in the workplace. Each week the PreparedU Project, in a series entitled Generational Voices, presents opinions from millennials and non-millennials alike on a wide variety of these issues. These views may contrast or coincide, but each will provide perspective designed to enhance insights resulting from the PreparedU data.

The Gen X Point of View

John Ioakimidis, Sales Executive

I am fortunate to have inherited a strong work ethic instilled by my immigrant parents, who have taught me the value and reward of hard work. I worry that this might not be the case for the millennials entering the workforce. I think parents and technology play a role in a diminished work ethic.

The age of electronics, video games and the Internet has made younger generations stay inside more, causing them to be sheltered from human interaction. Interpersonal skills become diminished when one prefers to stare at a screen instead of going outside and being with others. The result is more of a sedentary lifestyle. A strong work ethic is gained by growing up in an environment where one witnesses his friends and family working hard.

There is no Work Ethic 101 college course. It has to be within you, based on the many examples you witnessed in life. For example, your family owns a small business and you see the hard work and hours put in. Or on a sports team, understanding greatness comes from hard work, dedication and discipline. Teamwork is synonymous with hard work and work ethic, one relying on the other.

You see, technology is a double-edged sword, and this is where it rears its ugly head as convenience (technology) replacing hard work. Don’t get me wrong, technology is great in our lives, but it is also natural for our work ethic to be diminished by each generation, based on the convenience factor.

I think another contributing factor to the lack of a strong work ethic is that parents do almost everything for their children. Younger generations are not given the chance to be accountable or to “figure it out” on their own. Too many parents become helicopter parents, hovering over every aspect of their children’s lives, not allowing them to fail or hear the word “no,” protecting them from criticism. That crutch is doing millennials a disservice, as the business world can be a cruel place. It is important to learn that failing is part of life, and how you get back up is just as important. Because life is not fair sometimes, it’s important to learn how to cope when things do not go your way.

In closing, I feel hard work and adversity is something one has to experience personally. It is not a switch one simply turns on after college. I feel the millennials who have been exposed to hard work will dig in, put in the time, and handle it all. It will be a difficult transition for others who have not had much experience dealing with similar exposure.

The Millennial Point of View

Allison Valdes, College Senior

The idea of multitasking is relatively new, and we’re now given more tasks to complete in our careers with the expectation that we can handle everything. In a sense, then, I think that millennials are actually starting out with more on our plates than the baby boomers. As a result, we have to allocate our time more efficiently.

I know that’s the case for me right now. I’m devoted to my current studies, but also to my future career, and to the part-time job I hold. I’m stretched in so many different directions, but I couldn’t imagine my life any other way. I put my all into every aspect of my life, and, sometimes, even that doesn’t feel good enough.

My millennial peers are also capable of shouldering a vast number of responsibilities at the same time — and they can, and will, accomplish a lot, too.

We’ve grown up knowing that we have to go to college to succeed in life; and, harnessing this mindset, we’ve developed a strong work ethic so that we can compete for the best jobs — wherever they may be.

Again, speaking for myself, I’ve grown hugely during my college years, and I now think that I’m ready to enter the “real” world with great time-management skills, a strong work ethic, and an insatiable desire to keep learning no matter what.