May 27, 2011, Greencastle, Ind. — According to a new survey of employee attitudes by Lumesses, a London-based consulting firm, "Thirty-eight percent of older workers (ages 56 to 60) said they believe they will always be recognized and rewarded if they work harder or take extra responsibility; only 19 percent of Gen Y workers (ages 18 to 25) feel the same way, according to the survey," reports Human Resource Executive's Michael O'Brien. "Steve Langerud, a workplace consultant and director of professional opportunities at DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind., says he was 'shocked the numbers are that high for Gen Y employees who believe that about rewards.' "
Langerud tells the publication, "Typically, they believe they will be rewarded for results. Not [for] how much time on task or how they do a job but [for] how much they produce. Period." O'Brien writes, "(Langerud) also says Gen Y employees 
are motivated by the process of work, more than just completing an assignment. 'Doing more is not an end in and of itself,' he says, 'but rather part of an interesting and engaging game they get to play with other smart, interesting people.' "
Read the full article -- "Generational Differences in Recognition and Rewards" -- at the magazine's website.
Steve Langerud has helped more than 15,000 people with workplace issues and is regularly quoted in articles on the job market and career development. Earlier this month he was interviewed for a Voice of America segment and was quoted in a recent Philadelphia Inquirer piece and an MSNBC.com column.
Visit DePauw's Office of Civic, Global and Professional Opportunities here.