Four Generations in the workforce………How are we getting

along????????

Contributed by Bonnie N. Dick, Employment Consultant, CGI

Member Women’s Enterprise Network
August 28, 2008

Edited by Betsey Merkel, I-Open

Link: http://womens-enterprise-network.strategy-nets.net

It is exciting times in the workplace today and things are changing as

I write this article. For the first time in history we now have four
generations in the workforce. Starting with the Traditionalists – born
prior to 1946; the Baby Boomers- born between 1946-1964;
Generation X-born between 1965-1980 and the
Millennials(GenerationY)-born 1981through 1994. As we mingle
together, we experience differences in perspective and style on life
and work. It is human nature to believe that the generation we are
part of is the best. Truth is that we all bring a unique perspective and
enormous value. It is important to realize that we must all be open to
the new ideas and changes that each generation brings. We all
have wonderful ideas to bring to the workforce and all can benefit by
collaborating and working together; valuing the differences.
Understanding the generations is key to being able to appreciate
them and valuing their contributions.

Copyright 2010 Betsey Merkel and I-Open. Creative Commons 3.0 1

Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works. Institute for Open Economic
Networks (I-Open) 4415 Euclid Ave 3rd Fl Cleveland, Ohio 44103 USA
The Plain Dealer August 14, 2008 article,"Gen Y post boomer style
alters workplace" by Diane Strafford in Kansas City, Missouri caught
my eye. It pointed out that different generations were not talking to
each other about their differences consequently; it was creating
difficulties in an effort to build strong organizations. Generally, what
is happening is that generations have trouble understanding or
adapting to one another.

The example used was a Gen Y preferred to do his legal research on

a laptop, while the Baby-boomer felt more comfortable digging into
books in the library to complete his work. Both get the work done, but
differently and on a different time schedule.

The Baby boomer generation and its work style have dominated the
American workplace for more than three decades and now with the
Baby boomers and Traditionalist exiting the workplace X and Y are
moving in with different work styles. Gene pretty much has fallen into
the patterns of the past generations, but it is the GenY’s that is
making the waves with their techno-savvy. This generation has
created a buzz in the business community and has brought about
communication difficulties among the four generations. There has
been little cross-generational therefore, limited knowledge sharing in
the workplace.

Harris Interactive, Inc. just completed a survey, which was

commissioned by Randstad North America LP. The survey based on
statistically valid sample of 3,494 workers, produced the
following findings:

• Retiring workers aren’t likely to transfer knowledge to newer

workers and co-workers perceptions are based on generational
stereotyped, particularly about GenY.

• Each generation thinks it brings self-contained strengths to the

workplace and that they don’t enhance the strengths of other
generations.

• Bottom line the generations aren’t talking.

Copyright 2010 Betsey Merkel and I-Open. Creative Commons 3.0 2
Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works. Institute for Open Economic
Networks (I-Open) 4415 Euclid Ave 3rd Fl Cleveland, Ohio 44103 USA
How do the groups see themselves?

• GenY sees the importance of making personal friends at the

workplace. They are very sociable and think out of the box.
They see themselves as very open to new ideas and are very
friendly. Not on a set schedule.

• GenX see themselves as confident, competent and willing to

take responsibility as well as put the extra time in to get the job
done. They are very ethical.

• Boomers most often see themselves as competent, having a

strong work ethic, ethical and have the ability to handle a crisis.
They take responsibility and have excellent communication
skills.

• Traditionalists align themselves with strong work ethic, ethical

and are committed to the company. They also see themselves
as competent and confident.

The interesting part of this evaluation is that the Gen Y was just as
hard on themselves when they evaluated their work ethic and
business acumen as the older generations were in down grading their
work behaviors. The Gen Y’s are changing the face of the workplace
and global business. The big factor lies with how they view
business. This is view as one of the biggest changes since the
women entered the workplace during the Second World War.

They challenge the status quo. They chose to look for more from
their work life and do not accept the tried and true principals and
practices. They are not staying in one place and waiting to become
promoted. They want training and advancement now or they move
on. They are looking for clear and direct communication with their
managers. They want a two-way conversation with no spin. They are
motivated when they feel appreciated and engaged. They are looking
for individual awards and incentive programs.

Copyright 2010 Betsey Merkel and I-Open. Creative Commons 3.0 3

Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works. Institute for Open Economic
Networks (I-Open) 4415 Euclid Ave 3rd Fl Cleveland, Ohio 44103 USA
They do not see the need to confined environments and are on line
and can work from anywhere at anytime. They are not so eager to
maintain rigid hours and as long as they can get the job done do it on
their time. This new way of doing business of course is raising havoc
with the older generations, however, with the older generations
moving on, you can bet that the future of work will be molded by the
GenY’s.

Copyright 2010 Betsey Merkel and I-Open. Creative Commons 3.0 4

Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works. Institute for Open Economic
Networks (I-Open) 4415 Euclid Ave 3rd Fl Cleveland, Ohio 44103 USA