Generational Differences

FunHRBanker

I was just having a very interesting conversation with our CFO. He is part of the Baby Boomer generation. I am Gen X. He is upset about the lack of "commitment to the job" he observed from one of our employees, who also happens to be Gen X. The employee is taking 3 weeks of FMLA for the birth of his 3rd child. It happens to be during a busy time for his department. I informed the CFO that it is the ee's right to take this time (and he's using vacation to cover it). His response was that he has a right to influence raises based on this "commitment" or lack thereof. I said that you cannot punish the employee for taking the leave. He replied, "He won't know that." I said that it didn't make it right. He retorted with, "It doesn't make it wrong either." Now I know that if I decide to take what he views as a non-job-commited leave for the birth of a child, my raise will be affected. I will not accept that.

Generational differences never cease to amaze me.

NaeNae55

'He retorted with, "It doesn't make it wrong either."'

Sorry. It is illegal and therefore wrong. Not being able to prove it is illegal does not make it legal. Just because a cop does not pull you over when you go 65 in a 55 speed zone does not mean that you were not speeding. Please share this with your boss and let him know that a baby boomer is the one who pointed it out to you.

Nae

FunHRBanker

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 10-11-07 AT 11:59AM (CST)[/font][br][br]Nae, I completely agree. Which is exactly why I documented it today. CYA for myself. I am torn as to whether I should pass this onto the rest of the management committee who will decide raises. This employee is excellent and has lots of potential. Hopefully the would be smart enough to override the CFO (especially with his illegal reasoning)...but one never knows.

On the generational note: I think the CFO's work ethic is great, however, I don't think he gives much credit to work-life balance. His work is his life and he looks down upon others who don't share his belief. I do my job, and do it well. I do not want to be here from 6:30 AM until 6 PM every day. I want a personal life and don't think I should have to apologize for that.

Such interesting dynamics we're beginning to see in our organization!

ACU Frank

Please don't blame generational differences... This guy would be a jerk regardless of his generation.

ritaanz

Frank, you got that right.

FunHRBanker

I could not in good conscious keep my concerns to myself. I did pass on the conversation to another member of management. He agreed with me and told me that I didn't need to worry. He further stated that family does come first. Amen to that.

In my opinion, the CFO doesn't have much of a personal/family life. What are we all doing here if not to enjoy our loved ones?

HRQ

I agree Frank. A jerk is a jerk is a jerk. They can be young, old, white, brown, skinny, thick, healthy, ill.

Paul in Cannon Beach

A friend of mine is a professional consultant and she told me recently that she simply can't get Gen Xers to attend "Life Balance Workshops".

Finally, she figured out that its because they don't need to. Gen Xers understand it intuitively. Its part of their DNA.

Probably because they were latchkey kids growing up.

HRQ

Way to stereotype, Paul. x:-)

Paul in Cannon Beach

Youre only saying that because you are a woman.

ritaanz

What does that mean?

Paul in Cannon Beach

I am just filling a void that Ray left.

ritaanz

What void?

Paul in Cannon Beach

Umm... the void that upsets you?

Hey remember when we agreed twice in a row? Good times.