Generations in the Workplace

Silent (Traditional) Generation.  The Traditional generation is the oldest generation in the workplace, although most are now retired.  Members of this generation are private and silent. They believe in paying their dues, for whom their word is their bond, who prefer formality, have a great deal of respect for authority and like social order.  Members of this generation have also been characterized as loyal workers, highly dedicated, averse to risk and strongly committed toward teamwork and collaboration Their values were shaped by the Great Depression, World War II, and the postwar boom years.  They have developed their interpersonal communication skills through strong commitment to teamwork and collaboration. 

Baby Boomers Generation.  Boomers are the first generation to actively declare a higher priority for work over personal life.  Members of this generation are more optimistic and open to change than the prior generation.   Boomers have been characterized as individuals who believe that hard work and sacrifice are the price to pay for success.  They value the chain of command, may be technically challenged and expect authority.

Generation Xers.  Members of Generation Xers are the children of older boomers, who grew up in a period of financial, familial and societal insecurity.  Generation Xers are often considered the “slacker” generation.  They naturally question authority figures and are responsible for creating the work/life balance concept.  Born in a time of declining population growth, this generation of workers possesses strong technical skills and is more independent than the prior generations. 

Millennials or Generation Ys.  This group is the first global-centric generation, having come of age during the rapid growth of the Internet.  They are purported to value team work and collective action, embrace diversity, optimistic, and adaptable to change.  With significant gains in technology and an increase in educational programming during the 1990s, the Millennials are also the most educated generation of workers today.  Additionally, they have grown up at a time where parents programmed much of their lives with sports, music, and recreational activities to keep them occupied while their Boomer parents focused on work. 

Challenges of having several generations in the workplace at once.

Boomers have often been characterized as being process-oriented, while younger generations, as being results-focused, irrespective of where and when the task is done.  While Traditionals and Boomers have been characterized as being extremely loyal toward their employers, the lack of loyalty of younger workers, especially Xers has been noted.

Younger workers like their older counterparts want to be respected, although the understanding of respect among older and younger workers differs.  Older workers want their opinions to be given more weight because of their experience and for people to do what they are told, while younger workers want to be listened to and have people pay attention to what they have to say.  Furthermore, older people may not appreciate equal respect showed to all, and may want to be treated with more respect than one would show someone at a lower level in the hierarchy or with less experience.  Younger workers who value work/ balance, do not value “face time” and seek flexible work options like telecommuting to get their jobs done without being physically at work.

While working at the court system, I have been working with a judge from traditional (silent) generation.  He didn’t use computer at all.  I have communicated with him only face-to-face or by phone.  I didn’t communicate with him by email, or send him any documents electronically. 

Other judge from Baby Boomers Generation, with whom I have been working for seven years, could easily understand me through my body language.  He knew exactly if I was bored at work, of didn’t like  some tasks.

Tips

Traditional (Silent) Generation:

• If you ask the members of this generation about their thoughts, do not expect to get them.
• Do not rely your opinion on the body language of the members, try to focus on words.
• They prefer face-to-face or written communication than technology type of communication.

Baby Boomers Generation:

• Try to control your body language while communicating, because the members of this generation read you thoughts and feeling on your body language.
• Speak openly and answer questions thoroughly.

Generation Xers:

• Use email as a primary communication tool.
• Talk with them by using short clear sentences to keep their attention.
• Use an informal communication style.

Generation Ys:

• They prefer email communication.
• Seek their feedback constantly and provide them with regular feedback.
• Use humor and create a fun learning environment.  Don't take yourself too seriously.
• They are willing to explore new ways of learning.

Managing to Manage Across Generations at Work

Tips to Improve Interaction Among the Generations

How to Manage Different Generations