Diversity is all around us, but when most of us think about diversity, do we take into consideration the many differences between generations of employees? While diversity is usually presented as differences between individuals, generational differences are an aspect of diversity, and can be very interesting and challenging to manage at work. Leadership might want to learn about generational differences and how they impact various aspects of the work environment, like teamwork and productivity. By grasping a better handle on generational differences, leaders can also improve their communication and management skills.
Generational Differences
We develop throughout life through relationships, events and experiences, which all help define who we are and how we view the world. The generation we grow up in is just one of many influences on our adult behavior, both at home and in the workplace. This behavior is known as “cohort specific behavior,” and can set us apart from people from other generations. While generational differences influence our behavior, it does not mean that it determines all behavior or outcomes due to those behaviors.
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4 Generations at Work
Take a look around your office, building or company. How many generations of employees do you see? In today’s workplace, you may actually have all 4 generations working together under one roof. Here are 4 generations to consider:
- Traditionalists – people born between 1922 and 1943
- Baby Boomers – people born between 1943 and 1960
- Generation X – people born between 1960 and 1980
- Millennials – people born between 1980 and 2000
The Traditionalists experienced The Great Depression, New Deal, World War II, the Korean War and many other significant events that shaped their lives. The Baby Boomers went through many important events in history including the Civil Rights Movement, the Sexual Revolution, the Cold War, the moon landing and space travel. Generation X was there for the fall of the Berlin Wall, Nixon and Watergate, women’s liberation and the rise of feminism, Desert Storm, and an energy crisis. And last, the Millennials grew up during a time when school shootings seemed to be a regular occurrence, when the Oklahoma tragedy took place, the dawn of cell phones and technology, when being a child was more important than being an adult, when we all learned what Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky did and the most horrific terror act on American soil, September 11, 2001. There is no doubt that people from each generation were in some way shaped by the slice of time and history they were born into as well as the society and culture of those times.
So What?
When it comes to the workplace, people from different generations may have completely different values, which can influence their behavior at work. Traditionalists in general, believe in hard work, don’t ask for handouts, are dedicated and will sacrifice to get something done. They respect authority and rules, put duty before pleasure and believe in honor. Boomers, on the other hand, are optimistic and look for the positive in people. They are team-oriented, involved and place a high value on personal growth and gratification. Generation X value diversity, fun, being informal and pragmatic, are self-reliant and are more literate when it comes to technology than Traditionalists or Boomers. And last, Millennials are confident, respect diversity, are achievement-oriented and feel civic duty.
Final Words on Managing Multiple Generations in the Workplace
So, you see, generational differences are important in the workplace. Every employee is different, and part of what makes them different are the generation and unique cohort specific behaviors, ideas and values they learned along the way. A smart leader would capitalize on these differences and tap into what motivates the Traditionalist, Boomer, Gen X or Millennial employee. Traditionalists want to follow the rules. Baby Boomers are workaholics. Gen X are risk-takers and Millennials prefer work that is deeply meaningful. Sometimes being a great leader involves giving employees what they want or need.
(NOTE: Interested in learning more about Leadership in health care? Checkout my Leadership CEUs on CEU Academy and try a FREE CEU today!)