Do you have a problem working for a younger boss?
March 12, 2010 by Jared BilskiPosted in: Benchmarking, In this week's e-newsletter, Latest news & views, Management issues
In the cheesy romantic comedy “In Good Company,” Dennis Quaid’s character has a major problem when he’s forced to work for a much younger supervisor. Is this reaction common when older employees have to answer to a younger boss?
Not according to a recent CareerBuilder survey.
The survey revealed that many employees work for a younger boss — and don’t have a problem with it.
The survey found that:
- 43% of employees ages 35 and older
- 53% of workers 45 and up, and
- 69% of the employees 55 and up work for a boss who is younger.
The survey also found that younger employees have the most difficult time taking directions from a younger supervisor.
Check out the chart below for a detailed breakdown:
Some of the reasons why employees had trouble with a younger boss included:
- “They act like they know more than I do, but they don’t.”
- “They act like they’re entitled — they didn’t earn their position.”
- “They play favorites with younger workers.”
It’s worth noting that the survey didn’t delve into the age difference between the employee and his or her supervisor — a variable that can potentially play a huge role. For example: A 42-year-old employee may not have a problem with a 40-year-old boss, but what about a 30-year-old boss?
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Tags: CareerBuilder survey, Dennis Quaid, Directions, Favorites, In Good Company, Younger boss, Younger supervisor
