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Do you have a wide range of generations in your workplace? Do they sometimes have trouble getting along? Well, you're not alone. Today's workplace is different than any other before it. It has four different generations trying to get along, yet each with different values. Each expert has a slightly different opinion of the parameters of each generation, but in the book, Generations at Work, the authors maintain that they are: 1) The Veterans 1922-1943, 2) The Baby Boomers 1943-1960, 3) Generation Xers 1960-1980 and 4) Generation Nexters 1980-2000. Note that their generations overlap at their end points. There are no hard stops or road signs indicating when one generation ends and another begins. The challenge in the workplace of today is that each group has a different set of values. Here are some insights into each group to help you maintain and deal with each. The Veterans have a strong work ethic and are generally loyal to their employer. They are confused, however by the recent lack of loyalty from the company to the employer. They follow and honor their leader and tend to be conformers and are uneasy with anyone who doesn't conform to their standards in dress or actions. They tend to use the old style command-and-control leadership they learned in the war. Even if it is no longer effective with today's younger generation. They are dependable and value obedience over individualism on the job. The Boomers tend to be optimistic and think of themselves as the star of the show. They have pursued their own gratification, uncompromisingly, and often at a high price to themselves and others. Many of them are now worried about having enough money for retirement. They grew up wanting and needing desperately to prove themselves. When they are in leadership roles their tendency is toward a congenial, consensual style. They like participation and spirit in the workplace and bringing heart and humanity. Veterans have never really understood this. Boomers need to know that their experience will be valued and want public recognition and perks. Many of them feel that they are just hitting their stride at work and are not thinking of retirement. Besides, a lot of them can't afford it. Generation Xers don't expect lifelong employment with any one company. They expect they will have several careers in their lifetime. They are very much at home with the technology of today and look down on the other generations who aren't. They like lots of feedback in their work and thrive on a fast, stimulating pace. Extremely casual in both dress and communication style, they are drawn to workplaces that provide that. They like to be given a project and be allowed to run with it, rather than to be micro managed. Generation Nexers are the coddled and confident offspring of the most age-diverse group of parents ever. They are the digital generation with a complete grasp of technology. The oldest are still teenagers and are just now entering the workplace. You may already have a few of them in your organization. They are both optimistic about the future and realistic about the present. They combine the teamwork ethic of the Boomers with the can-do attitude of the Veterans and the technological savvy of the Generation Xers. Can you identify some of these generations in your workplace? Each has its own needs and motivators. What are you doing to tie into those? |
