“You’re such a millennial” “These trophy kids” “Okay Boomer”

Have you or someone you associate with echoed those statements?  These claims are made countless times and generally carry a derogatory weight.  Generally, the underlying essence of the statement really is: your way of thinking or doing things is different than my way of thinking or doing things.

Today’s workforce has between 4 and 5 distinct generational groups: Traditionalists (2%), Baby Boomers (25%), Generation X (33%), Millennials (35%), and Generation Z (5%). Each group has been shaped by national and world events resulting in common behaviors and actions. While there is always individuality and personality at play, understanding the common forces that influence a generation can help leaders and peers communicate and work well together.

Traditionalist: born 1925-1945
Dependable, straightforward, tactful, loyal. Shaped by: The Great Depression, World War II, radio and movies. Motivated by: Respect, recognition, providing long-term value to the company. Communication style: Personal touch, handwritten note instead of email. Employers should: Provide satisfying work and opportunities to contribute; emphasize stability

Baby Boomers: born 1946-1964
Optimistic, competitive, workaholic, team-oriented. Shaped by: The Vietnam War, civil rights movement, Watergate. Motivated by: Company loyalty, teamwork, duty. Communication style: Whatever is more efficient, phone calls and face to face. Employers should: Provide specific goals and deadlines, mentor role, coaching-style feedback

Generation X: born 1965-1980
Flexible, informal, skeptical, independent. Shaped by: The AIDs epidemic, fall of Berlin Wall, dot-com boom. Motivated by: Diversity, work-life balance, personal-professional interests rather than company’s. Communication style: Whatever is more efficient, phone calls and face to face. Employers should: Give immediate feedback; flexible work arrangements and work-life balance.

Millennial (Generation Y): born 1981-2000
Competitive, civic-minded, open-minded on diversity, achievement-oriented, Shaped by: Columbine, 9/11, internet. Motivated by: Responsibility, the quality of their manager, unique work experiences. Communication style: IMs, texts, and email. Employers should: Get to know personally; manage by results; flexible schedule and work assignments.

Generation Z: born 2001-2020
Global, entrepreneurial, progressive, less focused. Shaped by: Life after 9/11, the Great Recession, access to technology from young age. Motivated by: Diversity, personalization, individuality, creativity. Communication style: IMs, texts and social media. Employers should: Offer opportunities to work on multiple projects at same time; work-life balance.

Workplaces that know, understand and adapt to multi-generation experiences, strengthen communication, enhance company culture and enable employees to produce quality work.

Source:
Generational Differences in the Workplace
www.purdueglobal.edu/education-partnerships/generational-workforce-differences-infographic/.  Accessed Mar. 29, 2021.