Write Memo: Demographic Changes in the Workplace
MEMO WRITING GUIDANCE
Although formats and references vary, most texts recommends a very specific format for memos: an Introduction, Body (findings), Close format sometimes called a Benefits, Analysis, Action Item format.
The following links also outline guidance:
https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/how-write-memo
https://www.aresearchguide.com/write-a-memorandum.html
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Business-Memo
MEMO FORMAT
The first link above suggests the following format (Note: I have put in BOLD those elements that your memo should include):
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
I’m writing to inform you that [reason for writing memo].
As our company continues to grow … [evidence or reason to support your opening paragraph].
Please let me know if you have any questions. In the meantime, I’d appreciate your cooperation as [official business information] takes place.
Paragraph One:
In the first paragraph, you’ll want to quickly and clearly state the purpose of your memo. You might begin your sentence with the phrase, “I’m writing to inform you … ” or “I’m writing to request … “. A memo is meant to be short, clear, and to-the-point. You’ll want to deliver your most critical information upfront, and then use subsequent paragraphs as opportunities to dive into more detail.
Paragraph Two:
In the second paragraph, you’ll want to provide context or supporting evidence. For instance, let’s say your memo is informing the company of an internal re-organization. If this is the case, paragraph two should say something like, “As our company continues to grow, we’ve decided it makes more sense to separate our video production team from our content team. This way, those teams can focus more on their individual goals.”
Paragraph Three:
In the third paragraph, you’ll want to include your specific request of each employee — if you’re planning a team outing, this is the space you’d include, “Please RSVP with dietary restrictions,” or “Please email me with questions.”
On the contrary, if you’re informing staff of upcoming construction to the building, you might say, “I’d appreciate your cooperation during this time.” Even if there isn’t any specific action you expect from employees, it’s helpful to include how you hope they’ll handle the news and whether you expect them to do something in response to the memo.
Keeping this format in mind, please complete your management memos.
MEMO #1
Background: The global ageing population and the new generation of young professionals entering the market are changing the shape of the workplace. Companies need to look forward and prepare for the workforce of the future and understand the organizational changes this will bring.
While new ways of organizing will be increasingly important for firms to succeed in the future, it will also be important to take into account the deep demographic changes occurring in the workplace. Indeed, firms are already facing the challenge of transforming their structures and ways of organizing to incorporate the new generation.
-From Demographic Changes in the Workplace, Andrés Hatum(http://www.europeanbusinessreview.com/demographic-workplace/)
Source: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/04/11/millennials-largest-generation-us-labor-force/
ASSIGNMENT
For your first Management Memo, please outline the current scope and issue of changing demographics in the workplace with regard to age, education, and cultural diversity.
