Millennials Don't Want To "Lean In"

Recent media coverage of Sheryl Sandberg's book, Lean In, highlights the roles of women in the workplace and the bias and unfairness experienced by female professionals. Sandberg's powerful message is, however, distinctly shaded by her own generational lens and experience as a woman coming of age and entering the workforce in the wake of the women's movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Her "mission to reboot" feminism and to reframe discussions on gender uniquely reflects her Generation X values of autonomy and work-life balance, and misses the mark with Millennial women, who do not see gender inequality in the workplace and are either confused or annoyed at the negativity they think older generations bring to the subject. 

In order to understand women's issues in the workplace and to retain and engage them as employees, companies must recognize that generational differences among working women exist and that each generation has an equally valid perspective on the topic. 

For a critical reference guide on the generational traits, experiences and attitudes of American working women, download my whitepaper, "Millennials Don't Want To Lean In -- Why Generational Differences Among Working Women Matter To Companies," or please feel free to contact me directly for more information and insight.

Amy Hirsh Robinson, Principal, Interchange Group

Workforce Strategies for the New Economy

Amy will be presenting on New Hire Onboarding and Succession Planning for the 21st Century at the annual SHRM conference, June 22-23, 2014.