Generational Differences in the Workplace

Generational Differences in the Workplace Hamel Resources, L.L.C. 10 Hawthorne Road | Lake George, NY 12845 P: (518) 761-1220| www.hamelresources.com

Understanding Behavior “For many people, one of the most frustrating aspects of life is not being able to understand other people’s behavior.” -Unknown

Talking ‘Bout My Generation

Veterans/Traditionalists/Matures: The Silent Generation Born between before 1946 (over 70) 4%* of the workforce Built our infrastructure 40,000 miles of interstate, dams, etc. Over half are military veterans

Defining Moments Great Depression, New Deal, Midwest Dustbowl Crash of Wall Street markets WW I, WW II, Korean War, Pearl Harbor, the atomic bomb

Silent Generation Values Respect for authority, honor, country Age=authority Loyalty to the organization Waste not, want not Dedicated, self sacrificing work ethic Duty before pleasure Conformity, blending, unity, “we-first” Law and order, adherence to rules

Baby Boomers Born 1946 -1964 (52 to 70) 30%* of the workforce

Defining Moments Television Vietnam / Draft / Kent State Woodstock Kennedy assassinations Man on the moon Civil Rights Movement Beatlemania

Boomer Values Consensus management Competitive / workaholics Think of their work as a career They were born every 17 minutes for 20 years. With so many of them competing in the workforce, that they learned the value of being politically correct.

Gen X Born 1965 to 1977 (39 to 51) 23%* of the workforce Half are women

Defining Moments 3 mile island Watergate Challenger Disaster Gulf War – Desert Storm AIDS epidemic MTV

Gen X Values Independent & cynical – difficulty dealing with “political correctness” Watched their parents get pink slips from organizations to whom they had been loyal and, therefore, mistrust the “system” Question authority and demand respect be earned and not be based on titles or position

Gen X Employees Less motivated by working with others unless it includes a social aspect with peers Not inclined to take leadership roles resulting in loss of personal or professional time. They want to know what they will get for what they give. Technically adept, clever, resourceful Expect 24/7 news Think of their work as a job, not a career

Gen Y/Millennials/Nexters Born 1978 – 2000 (16 to 38) 43%* of the workforce

Defining Moments Oklahoma City bombing Columbine 9/11 Enron Katrina Newtown Social Media

Millennial/Gen Y Values Live in the moment, the future is uncertain Loyalty to individuals, not to organizations Value patriotism and serving the community Hopeful, determined, idealistic, sociable, talented, well-educated, collaborative, open minded

Gen Y Common Themes Life is the global internet with international e-pals and instant messaging; comfortable in a racially/ethnically diverse world Began multi-tasking early in life Over programmed, overstressed, rising expectations for extracurricular activities Many use the computer 24/7 and are sleep deprived

Millennial Employees Motivated by desire to change the world Believe in civic involvement Equality with older or more experienced workers is important Have a sense of individuality and uniqueness Need a safe place to learn new skills Desire balance of life/work

What’s Next?

Gen C/Gen Z/Gen 2020 Born after 2000 Entering the workforce within 2 years Grew up online Digital natives; hyper connected 23M – and growing

Talking ‘Bout My Generation

Final Thought Different is not bad – It’s just different.

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Generational Differences in the Workplace