Generational Differences in the Workplace

James Smith

Mary WolfKaty

Wolfrom

Generations in the Workplace

Traditionalists (born before 1946)

Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964)

Generation X (born 1965-1979)

Millennials (born 1980-1994)

Why Learn About the Generations?Gain an understanding of the

changing demographics

Understand its impact in the workplace

Increase communication and effective management

Promote teamwork

Current Structure of the Workplace

Generations in the Workforce TodaySource: McNamara 2007

9%

39%

36%

16% Traditionalist

Baby Boomer

Generation X

Millennials

Changing Workforce Structure

Generations in the Workforce by the End of the Decade(as 64 million Baby Boomers reach retirement age)

0% 10%

40%50%

Traditionalist

Baby Boomer

Generation X

Millennials

Generational DifferencesThe events and conditions each of us

experience during our formative years help define who we are and how we view the world.

The ‘core values’ and attitudes that we develop as a result manifest themselves in the workplace and can cause conflict.

Borrowing an Analogy from Nature:

You can compare members of the same generation to trees that were planted in the same year…..

Traditionalists – Age 62 +*Events &

Experiences

Great DepressionNew DealWorld War IIKorean War

*Values

Hard workDedication &

sacrificeRespect for rulesDuty before pleasureHonor

Baby Boomers – Age 43-61*Events &

Experiences

Civil rightsSexual revolutionCold WarSpace travelAssassinationsTV in every homeVietnam War

*Values

OptimismTeam orientationPersonal

gratificationInvolvement Personal growth

Generation X – Age 28-42*Events &

Experiences

Fall of Berlin WallWatergateWomen’s liberationDesert StormEnergy crisisChallenger explosionOil embargo

*Values

DiversityTechno literacyFun and informalitySelf-reliancePragmatism

Millennials – Age 13-27*Events & Experiences

School ShootingsOklahoma CityTechnologyChild focused worldClinton/Lewinsky9/11Iraq WarHurricane Katrina

*Values

OptimisticFeel civic dutyConfidentAchievement

orientedRespect for diversity

Workplace Characteristics

Veterans Baby Boomers Generation X Generation Y

Work Ethic and Values

Hard workRespect authoritySacrificeDuty before funAdhere to rules

WorkaholicsWork efficientlyCrusading causesPersonal fulfillmentDesire qualityQuestion authority

Eliminate the taskSelf-relianceWant structure and directionSkeptical

What’s nextMultitaskingTenacityEntrepreneurialTolerantGoal Oriented

Work Is…An obligation An exciting adventure A difficult challenge

A contractA means to an endFulfillment

Leadership Style

DirectiveCommand and control

ConsensualCollegial

Everyone is the sameChallenge othersAsk why

*TBD

Interactive StyleIndividual Team player

Loves to have meetingsEntrepreneur Participative

CommunicationsFormalMemo

In person DirectImmediate

EmailVmail

Feedback and Rewards

No news is good newsSatisfaction in a job well

done

Don’t appreciate itMoneyTitle recognition

Sorry to interrupt, but how am I doing?

Freedom is the best reward

Whenever I want it, at the push of a button

Meaningful work

Messages that Motivate

Your experience is respected

You are valuedYou are needed

Do it your wayForget the rules

You will work with other bright, creative people

Work and Family LifeNe’er the twain shall meet No balance

Work to liveBalance Balance

Source: Mixing and Managing Four Generations of Employees by George Hammill

Generational Work Traits

Frequent Conflicts/ComplaintsSo I told my boss, “If you’re looking for loyalty, buy a dog.”

“They have no work ethic. They’re just a bunch of slackers.”

“A hiring bonus! Wet behind the ears and he wants a hiring bonus!”

“I can’t believe the way he/she dresses.”

“He/she is out of touch; he/she should just retire.”

“He/she has no manners/does not follow proper etiquette.”

If I hear “We tried that in ’87 one more time, I’ll hurl in his wrinkly old face.”

He asks me, “Do you have an e-mail address?” I felt like telling him, “since you were in diapers buddy.”

Heathfield’s (2007) tips for managing millennials:Provide structure. Provide leadership and guidance. Provide encouragement. Encourage teamwork. Listen. Provide challenge and change.

More tips:Expect them to multi-task, otherwise

millennials will get bored.Expect them to use the computer, cell phone,

and other electronic devices…all at onceEncourage networking. Provide a life-work balanced workplace. Provide a fun, employee-centered workplace.

Different generations…..

…working together!