Guetschow to Discuss Multigenerational Workforce

Diana Guetschow, a regional trainer for the University of Phoenix, will focus on an often-overlooked problem area in the contemporary workforce in her presentation at the Economic Summit scheduled for January 14 at the Dixie Center. Titled “Generations at Work,” Guetschow’s presentation will give employers and managers the tools they need to promote teamwork and enhance productivity in a multigenerational workforce.

“For the first time in modern history,” Guetschow notes, “four generations are present in the workforce at once. Each has been shaped by the political, social, and economic climates its members grew up in.  Generally speaking, each has distinct values, behaviors, expectations, attitudes, and biases.  The potential for conflict is great, and the consequences can be devastating for teamwork, morale, and overall productivity.”
 
Drawing on groundbreaking research conducted by the University of Phoenix in cooperation with The Segmentation Company, a division of Yankelovich, Inc., Guetschow will examine the reasons why people of different age groups think, feel, and act as they do and demonstrate how managers armed with that knowledge can help their employees find common ground.
 
As an example, she cited findings from the University of Phoenix study showing that members of “Generation Y,” the generation currently between the ages of 18 and 27, are not only more in tune with technology, as might be expected, but are also “used to having a say.  Personal choice is part of everything they do,” she said, “from designing their own shoes to voting for the next ‘American Idol.’  Consequently, they might expect to have more of a voice in determining workplace conditions and requirements than older workers, who are more used to taking orders.”
 
Guetschow has a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and has worked with that institution for over five years in support of tuition assistance programs and training options focused on leadership capabilities and retention efforts.  For nearly ten years, she was a partner in an exhibition display company in Australia, manufacturing products, developing marketing plans, and training staff members in trade show management and behavior.
 
ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX

University of Phoenix is Utah’s second-largest private university. Campus locations include St. George, Murray, Taylorsville, Pleasant Grove, and North Davis.  University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Through flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning, students achieve personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. As of August 31, 2008, 362,100   students were enrolled at University of Phoenix, the largest private university in North America. University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world.