Generations at Work: Generational Differences and Conflicts in the Workplace Presented by Marti Eagleton 10.01.2012

Goals/Objectives Understand each generation’s attitudes

towards work ethic, technology, compensation & benefits, and communication;

Understand how generational differences can create conflict in the workplace, and,

Better appreciate each generation’s contributions to the workforce.

From http://citizensforsafetechnology.org

What is a generation? A cohort united by a shared coming of

age process in which major political, social and/or economic events create a common history and connection with others of the same age.

Adwoa K. Buahene and Giselle Kovary

Cautions- Not intended to promote ageism, but

understanding- Not a panacea

The Primary Players- Boomers - Generation X- Millennials (aka Generation Y)

Defining Factors- Historical events- Music/books- Technology- Parental Expectations- Values

Boomers Generally defined as those born 1946-

1964. Vietnam War, Civil Rights Movement,

Space program, the Kennedy and King assassinations

Rock & Roll, TV

Boomers Grew up in an era of reform. Not afraid of confrontation; challenge

established practices Confident, independent, loyal, cynical,

work-centric

Boomers Motivated by position, perks and

prestige Define self-worth by accomplishments “Workaholics”

Don’t understand why Gen X and Millennials think they can get ahead without “paying their dues”

Fault younger workers for working remotely

Competitive

Boomers Work is somewhere to go as well as

something to do Equate success and commitment with

high salaries and long hours

Generation X Generally defined as those born 1965-

1981. Sometimes called the “MTV generation” Energy crisis, Chernobyl, Space Shuttle

challenger, fall of the Berlin Wall, 1990’s economic boom.

Video games, computers. Grunge and hip-hop music.

Generation X Cited by the U.S. Census Bureau as the most

highly educated generation Smaller than previous generations due to birth

decline Initially labeled as insecure, angst-ridden

underachievers Now independent, resourceful and self-sufficient Rather than challenge leaders with the intent to

replace them, challenge systems and institutions

Generation X Dislike being micromanaged and structure

work hours. Embrace a hands off management

philosophy. Enjoy challenging assignments. Thrive on & seek out diversity, challenge,

responsibility and opportunities to give creative input

Dislike “meetings about meetings”

Generation X Skeptical – grew up in a time of high

divorce rates, corporate layoffs and public scandals

Saw parents lose hard-earned positions. More willing to change jobs to get ahead

than boomers Work to live rather than live to work.

Bring fun & humor into the work place

Millennials Generally considered to be those born 1982-

200X. Known by multiple names: Generation Y,

Echo Boomers, Generation Me, Trophy Generation, Peter Pan Generation

Columbine School shooting, Oklahoma City bombing, dot.com bust, current financial crisis

Cell phones, then smart phones. Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber.

Millennials Most studied generation

in history Well-versed in technology,

plugged in 24/7 Feel incredible pressure to

conform According to Jean Twenge

(“Generation Me”), display confidence, tolerance, entitlement, narcissism, rejection of social conventions

Millennials Communicate through email, text

messaging, instant messaging Prefer webinars to lecture-based

presentations Willing to trade high pay for fewer hours

and flexible schedules This is often viewed as a lack of

commitment, discipline and drive

Millennials “No person left behind” – loyal,

committed, want to be involved and inclusive

Crave attention Seek frequent feedback, praise &

reassurance May benefit from being matched with a

mentor who can provide 1:1 attention

Millennials Lives have always been busy &

structured Work is an activity, not a place By the end of this decade, will be the

dominant age group in the workforce May be drawn to this field in higher

numbers because of their traits

Compensation & Benefits Bonuses Vacation Career ladders Other perks

Mentoring, Coaching & Supervision Feedback The importance of cross-training Relationships and boundaries

Communication Meetings Memos/Emails IM and Texting

Recruiting and Retention Job postings Interview process Opportunities for growth and

development

Managing Teams Communication Expectations

Professionalism Dress code Office geography Schedules

Other impacts on agencies Social media Texting

What can you learn from them? Boomers Gen X Millennials

Resources and Additional Reading Generations: The History of America’s F

uture, 1584 to 2069 (Neil Howe and William Strauss)

Generation Me: Why Today’s Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled – And More Miserable Than Ever (Jean M. Twenge)

Not Everyone Gets A Trophy: How to Manage Generation Y (Bruce Tulgan)

Resources and Additional Reading n-gen People Performance White Paper:

http://www.ngenperformance.com/pdf/white/ManagingGenDivide.Overview.pdf

Life Course Associates (Neil Howe): http://www.lifecourse.com/