The Contemporary MultiGenerational Workforce

1
The Contemporary Multi-Generational Workforce

• Bahira Sherif Trask
• Human Development Family Studies
• University of Delaware
• Bstrask_at_udel.edu

2
Why Are Things Different?

• In past, relatively stable organizational model
  for career advancement
• Today, organizations come in many sizes, types,
  shapes
• Career paths vary (average 25 year old is
  expected to experience anywhere from 3-5 careers
  in lifetime)
• Work-life expectations have changed with the
  generations

3
The Generations In Groups of 2-3 people

• Make a short list of defining social, political,
  and/or technical events - trends of
• The 1960s
• The 1970s
• The 1980s
• The 1990s
• The 2000s

4
Points to Keep in Mind!

• Common experiences of each generation frequently
  define their assumptions and perspectives
• BUT
• Never generalize from a few to the whole - there
  are ALWAYS exceptions

5
Traditionalists

• Born between 1900 and 1945 (approx. 75 million)
• Loyal -- often found to have worked for only one
  employer.
• Many of the men have military background and are
  comfortable with a top-down management style.
• May be motivated by recognition in doing a job
  well done.
• Exhibit a strong work ethic that was shaped by
  the Great Depression with an onward and upward
  attitude.

6
Baby-Boomers

• Born between 1946 and 1964 (approx. 80 million)
• Typically respond to symbols of recognition
  enhanced titles, more money,special perks such as
  parking spaces, and other status symbols or
  symbols of peer recognition.
• Optimistic and idealistic.
• As result of their large numbers, tend to be
  extremely competitive
• Realize that they have spent too much of their
  time working / may want to add more balance to
  their lives / may feel new generations need to
  put their time in.

7
Generation X

• Born between 1965 and 1980 (approx. 46 million)
• Typically have little trust in the system.
• Freedom is often perceived as ultimate work
  reward
• Want training that enhances their skills, and
  portability of benefits like 401Ks that can be
  taken elsewhere.
• Characterized by skepticism, self focus, lack of
  loyalty to employer.
• Has seen scandal effect of every institution from
  the stock market to the presidency/ divorce rate
  tripled during their lifetimes informality and
  fun/work as a means to an end and not an end in
  and of itself

8
Generation Y/ Millennials

• Born between 1981 and 1999 (approx. 75 million)
• One in three is not Caucasian
• Two in four come from a single parent home
• Four in five have working mothers
• Perceived as wanting to make a difference and
  knowing that their work has value
• If they question authority, its usually for
  moral reasons
• Characteristics include sociability, civic duty,
  and morality.
• Born with technology / adept at multitasking
  Grown up with group work, athletics and team
  sports, and personal recognition

9
Workplace Conflict

• Often have generational issues at core even
  though identified as personal
• She has a poor work ethic
• He is not committed to his job
• Differing styles team work vs. individual
• Newer generations branded as less motivated
• Do not understand why lateness is viewed as a
  bad thing by a boomer for example
• Generation Y very committed to balancing work and
  family

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Differences between the Generations (Eric
Chester, Employing Generation Y)
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Motivating Different Generations

• Baby Boomers
• Authority, prestige, status markers, professional
  networking
• Work for works sake
• Generations X and Y
• Work is means to an end
• Needs to be fun, special, flexible
• Teamwork and the why count

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General Guidelines

• Identify your own generational assumptions
• What do I believe are the most important
  attributes of an employee?
• How loyal do I believe an employee should be to
  an organization?
• What balance do I maintain between my work and
  personal life?
• Do I feel most comfortable with people of a
  certain age group at work?

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How to Manage a Multi-Generational Workforce

• Maintain Communication
• Respect the different values held by various
  generations
• Encourage generational partnerships and
  collaborations
• Remain flexible

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Lessons To Keep In Mind

• There is more diversity than just generational
  diversity
• We are all more similar than different
• We can learn from each other - everyone brings
  something to the table
• Everyone wants to succeed

15

• Thank You!