General tension in the office: Why busters hate boomers

Today's twentysomething generation is concerned with economic and career prospects that look particularly bleak - and baby boomers are the targets of their resentments. Fortysomethings say that Generation Xers are too cocky; are not willing to pay their dues; and are not loyal or committed to work. Not all Xers blame the boomers entirely for their own frustrations; some instead cite their generation's inflated expectations. Young workers perceive that many boomers seem more caught up in maneuvering for status in an organization than in working. What amazes them is the degree to which scrapping for position and control can interfere with a company's work. Faced with a lack of job security and the prospect of working for bosses they cannot stand, many twentysomethings decide to take advantage of their youth and risk going it alone. Smart managers will see that taking what Xers say seriously not only will promote generational comity in the workplace but may also give companies a competitive edge.