Multiple Generations in the Workplace

Traditionalists - "Always Faithful"

Born: 1945 or earlier

This group comprises about 5% of the current workforce. Characteristics of Traditionalists (also called Veterans, or the Silent Generation) include:

• Faith in nation, company, government

• Loyalty

• Strong work ethic (work before play)

• Respect for rules

• Content with current compensation and benefits

How to manage Traditionalists:

• Offer plenty of personal interaction: ask and listen

• Provide clear (written) goals and expectations

• Show respect for age and experience

• Provide technology training

• Be honest and candid

Boomers - "Do Your Own Thing"

Born: 1946 - 1964

This group comprises about 45% of the current workforce. Characteristics of Baby Boomers include:

• Motivated, optimistic, competitive

• Initiated credit cards - use them a lot

• Ambitious

• Workaholics

• Respect rules - unless they are contrary to what they want

How to manage Boomers:

• Show you care

• Give frequent recognition

• treat them as equals - coach don't direct

• Give them a chance to talk

• Be honest, candid, and direct

Generation X - "Get Real"

Born: 1965 - 1979

This is the smallest group and comprises about 16% of the current workforce. Characteristics of Gen X'ers include:

• Cynical and pessimistic

• Self-reliant

• Tech savvy

• Value control/like autonomy

• Don't believe in promotion because of seniority

How to manager Gen X'ers:

• Provide a fun workplace

• Use written goals

• Involve them in teams

• Be truthful and direct

• Separate careers and life

Generation Y, The Millennials - "Believe in Yourself"

Born: 1980 - 2000

The millennials are now the second largest generation in the workforce at about 34%. Characteristics of the Millennials include:

• Always "on"; texting, IM, Twitter, etc.

• Short attention spans

• Team mentality

• Ambitious

• Have difficulty making decisions

How to manage Millennials:

• Give frequent, instant feedback; keep energy high

• Use technology to the max

• Offer multitasking projects

• Negotiate with them

• Provide people skills training

Six principals for managing multiple generations

1. Initiate conversations about generations - differences, commonalities, likes and dislikes; get to know and understand the diversity of your staff

2. Ask people about their needs and preferences; even if you can't accommodate everyone they will know that you care enough to inquire

3. Offer options - be flexible whenever possible; negotiate so that you and your employee will achieve the desired results

4. Remember that there is no "one size fits all" - as much as possible try to personalize your management style

5. Build on employee strengths and focus on work tasks that will allow them to use their skills whenever possible

6. Encourage different points of view; value your employees' opinions and ideas