Taso Christopher, mayor of Belleville. (Photo: Brock Ormond/Quinte News)
Generational divides and engagement in the workplace were topics of discussion at the second annual Mayor’s Business Breakfast Thursday morning.
The event, held at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre as part of Quinte Business Week, focused on a presentation based on the relationships of people in “Intergenerational Workplaces” and how to better satisfy yourself when it comes to your job.
Gary Gzik, CEO of Biz Excel, a leading provider of corporate and professional training services in the area of Business Analysis and his daughter Hannah Gzik were on hand to deliver the presentation to a good crowd of local politicians and people from area businesses.
Gary Gzik, CEO of Biz Excel, spoke about the need to create better work environments and eliminate generational stereotypes. (Photo: Brock Ormond/Quinte News)
The duo talked about various issues between the “Baby Boomers”, “Generation X” and “Millenials” as they pertain to life in and out of the workplace. This included; stereotyping, ageism, the wants and needs of the various age groups, similarities between the generations, creating a positive work culture and many others.
In an energetic presentation, the Gziks explained how certain mottoes and ideals in life have changed when it comes to the generation gap, such as the millennial group tending to live at home longer and travel more, compared to the previous generations who left home younger, raised a family younger, and got into a full-time job earlier.
Hannah Gzik, Gary’s daughter, spoke about getting along with people outside your age bracket, especially in the workplace. (Photo: Brock Ormond/Quinte News).
The Gziks talked about the need to cut stereotypes and generalizations out to create a better work environment and value each and every person you come upon, shift the mindset to valuing and appreciating each others’ talents and strengths and not pass judgement. This, they said, will allow you to be fulfilled in your job, excited about coming in to work and creating benefits for everyone around you at work, at home or anywhere else you go.
Examples and metaphors they used were: jumping into cold water together (being committed to something that may seem difficult), wrecking money, such as $100 bill (continuing to work hard for lofty goals) and pointing up to your “clock in the sky” (a way of prioritizing).
They had some words of encouragement for the crowd.
The Gziks’ three steps to creating culture engagement are:
1. Don’t make everything about a person’s birthdate
Make it about the person’s age and how much they contribute to the workplace.
2. Where are they in their life?
Different circumstances, different priorities for every person.
3. What are their needs?
Compensation for their work and inclusion among others .
You can listen to the full speech from the breakfast below.
First Celebrity B-Ball Game
The cities of Belleville and Quinte West will be balling for a good cause next year.
Belleville Mayor Taso Christopher announced at the breakfast that the First Annual Celebrity Basketball Competition will be held on January 17, 2018 inside the Loyalist College gymnasium, in support of the Quinte Children’s Foundation.
Local grocery store owners Wayne Dewe (Belleville) and John Smylie (Quinte West) will be honorary team captains.
