Mayor’s business breakfast focuses on praise, and the changing workplace

The cities of Belleville and Quinte West have welcomed a third partner in their annual business breakfast.

At Belleville’s Ramada Hotel, they welcomed the Municipality of Brighton to the event, which focused on thanking the business community, and talked about the changing workplace.

Belleville Mayor Mitch Panciuk, QW Deputy Mayor Jim Alyea, and Brighton’s Brian Ostrander thanked the packed house, and praised one another for working together.

Dr. Denise O’Brien was the guest speaker. She says things are quickly changing in the work force as far as demographics.

O’Brien says millennials will change things as they continue to take over.

The doctor brought forward statistics about the changing workplace, and those who are in it.

O’Brien says the workforce is more diverse racially, changing in gender balance and education level. In 2016, 23.4% of the workforce (17.2 million) were immigrants. In 2014, 30% of those working in Canada held a university degree.

The number of women working today has changed the landscape as well. In 1976, 30% were women, now that number is over 50%.

For the first time ever, there are five generations in the workforce. O’Brien says the largest change in the workplace is the people themselves.

She says employers tell her that work ethic is different among the generations. The millennial generation, which is now the largest portion of the workforce, demands time to work from home, or a remote location, while promoting the importance of technology. Currently 86% of Canadians own a smartphone, 89% in Ontario.

The day also included time thanking the business community. Brighton Mayor Brian Ostrander says working with Quinte West and Belleville just makes sense.

Quinte West Deputy Mayor Jim Alyea thanked the business leaders that were in the room for their service to the community.

Belleville’s Mitch Panciuk spoke to the importance of giving employees a place to live.

Dr. Denise O’Brien speaks at the Ramada Hotel in Belleville (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)

Belleville Mayor Mitch Panciuk (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)

QW Deputy Mayor Jim Alyea (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)

Brighton Mayor Brian Ostrander (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)