GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES IN THE WORKPLACE

GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES
VETERANS Generation Profile Potential Assets Potential Liabilities
Also known as Values were defined by the Great Stable Sometimes inept in dealing with
Traditionalists Depression and WW II, where people ambiguity and change or covertly resist
killed and died for important principles Detail oriented it
Born between 1922
and 1943 Have a practical outlook Thorough Reluctant to buck the system

Make up less than Like consistency and uniformity Loyal Uncomfortable with conflict
10% of the U.S.
workforce Appreciate things on a grand scale Hard Working Reticent when they disagree

Are conformers

Believe in logic, not magic

Are dedicated and disciplined

Believe in law and order

Have conservative spending styles
How to Lead How to Motivate How to Coach/Develop
They are respectful of authority

Realize that the workplace they first
joined was different from today—not very
diverse and stereotypical gender roles

Work to gain their trust and realize that it
will take time.

Don't expect that they will share
everything quickly.

Excerpted from Zemke, R., Raines, C., Filipczak, B. (2000). Generations at Work: Managing the Clash of Veterans, Boomers, Xers, and Nexters in Your
Workplace. New York: AMACOM (American Management Association).

BABY Generational Profile Potential Assets Potential Liabilities
BOOMERS
Born between 1943 Reactions to the cold war and Vietnam Service oriented Not naturally budget minded
and 1960 greatly defined their values and caused a
generation gap with Veterans Driven (Type A personalities) Uncomfortable with conflict
Actually comprised of
two distinct cohort They have an optimistic outlook and Willing to "go the extra mile" Reluctant to go against peers
groups: First-half believe in growth and expansion.
Boomers (born in the Good team players; skilled at building and May put process ahead of result
40's) and Second-half Many grew up in nuclear families with maintaining relationships
Boomers (born stay-at-home moms. Expectations of Overly sensitive to feedback
between the 50's and them were high as they represented a Want to please
60s). future that Veterans hoped to preserve. Judgmental of those who see things
differently
Currently make up They are driven, like personal
between 40-45% of gratification, and have paid a high price Self centered
the U.S. workforce for it
Workaholic tendencies that may prevent
Interested in health and wellness, the them from appreciating others' needs
meaning of life, spirituality
They have a love/hate view of authority
and often resist it. Their trust and respect
have to be earned.

They like consensus so be sure to involve
them in problem solving and decision
making

They do not respond well to exploitation,
injustice, or perceived inequities.

Think of yourself as a friendly equal to
them. Ask them; don't tell them.


GEN Xers Generation Profile Potential Assets Potential Liabilities
Also known as the Grew up in the shadow of Boomers Self reliant Impatient
"Net Generation" and passively resisted Boomer
and the "13th values, growing up by negatively Intelligent (from early exposure to media Poor people skills
Generation" since defining themselves. Bring a and technology)
they are the 13th skeptical outlook. Have a non-traditional work ethic; often
generation since Multi-tasking ability viewed as a poor work ethic
the founding of our Growing up in the wake of Vietnam,
country fallen heroes, and corporate Independent Viewed by other generations as cynical
downsizing, many were latchkey kids slackers
Some Gen Xers and are viewed as exhibiting a fierce Possess plain old "chutzpa"
are from the "MTV self-reliance and survivor mentality Clueless about formalities (how to dress,
Generation," an (with a lack of loyalty to anyone/ Bring a team orientation (with peers) treating others with respect, etc.)
overlap between anything but themselves)
Gen X and Gen Y. Are technoliterate/technologically savvy
They like a balanced work ethic (work
Most Gen Xers to live, not live to work). Can be adaptable
were born
between 1960 and They think globally and embrace and Not intimidated by authority
1980 value diversity, but also value self
reliance and are skeptical Creative
They make up
about 30% of the They like informality, having fun, and
U.S. workforce engaging in high-risk sports
Know that their approach to authority
is casual. They don't resist authority;
they're simply not impressed by it

Realize they are reluctant to trust
people in authority and commit to
team goals.

They are impressed (or unimpressed)
by leadership competence.

Give them a lot of work and the
freedom to do it in their own way (and
possibly remotely).


Gen Y Core Values Potential Assets Potential Liabilities
Jumped from 14% Largest demographic grouping since Technologically savvy Skeptical about concepts such as employee
to 21% of the U.S. the Baby Boomers. They're the loyalty
workforce in the offspring of Baby Boomers, but unlike Impressive multitasking capability
past 4 years. their parents, Gen Yers want work-life Demonstrate a "speak-your-mind"
balance Independent and street smart philosophy
Gen Y is also
known as Having witnessed 9/11, the Iraq War Skilled in virtual problem solving Need constant feedback and recognition
"Generation Y," and natural disasters like Hurricane and resent it if communication from their
the "Echo Katrina and the Indian Ocean Like to develop solutions and bring about bosses isn't frequent and ongoing
Boomers," Tsunami, they are focused on the change
"Nexters," here and now but still have a hopeful Expect to be told how they're doing
"Nintendo outlook on life. Appreciate diversity. Known as "gender-
Generation," benders" since they have no stereotypical Some have an "every-man-and-woman-for-
"Digital Having also witnessed Enron, Arthur roles. One of the most diverse himself" attitude in common with Gen Xers
Generation," Andersen, and other scandals, they're demographic groups in U.S. history (1 of
"Generation 2001," also skeptical of employee loyalty. 3 is a minority) They say they resonate with older
"N-Gen" (as in the employers (because of their wisdom), but
"Internet Regarded as the most nurtured Have traveled extensively and have had often clash with older employees if they're
Generation," "Y generation, they are confident and many enriching life experiences at a viewed as incompetent or unskilled
Gen," and "Gen Y" have high expectations of themselves young age
and others. May not treat some older employees with
Demonstrate resilience respect
They have strong beliefs in their own
self worth and value Are heroic spirits Don't want to be workaholics like their
parents and sometimes bring a 9-to-5
They're goal-oriented and determined Demonstrate tenacity, optimism attitude about work
to work faster/better than other
generations. Like teamwork and collective action
They are polite to people in authority
and enjoy teamwork.

Leverage their independence and
technological savvy and allow them to
take ownership for accomplishments.

Don't expect them to stay long in a job
—or a career. Treat them as
"customers."


GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES IN THE WORKPLACE

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