1 / 30

Generations at Work: Generational Differences and Conflicts in the Workplace

Generations at Work: Generational Differences and Conflicts in the Workplace . Presented by Marti Eagleton 10.01.2012. Goals/Objectives. Understand each generation’s attitudes towards work ethic, technology, compensation & benefits, and communication;

temple
Download Presentation

Generations at Work: Generational Differences and Conflicts in the Workplace

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript


  1. Generations at Work: Generational Differences and Conflicts in the Workplace Presented by Marti Eagleton 10.01.2012

  2. Goals/Objectives • Understand each generation’s attitudes towards work ethic, technology, compensation & benefits, and communication; • Understand how generational differences can create conflict in the workplace, and, • Better appreciate each generation’s contributions to the workforce.

  3. From http://citizensforsafetechnology.org

  4. What is a generation? • A cohort united by a shared coming of age process in which major political, social and/or economic events create a common history and connection with others of the same age. • Adwoa K. Buahene and Giselle Kovary

  5. Cautions • Not intended to promote ageism, but understanding • Not a panacea

  6. The Primary Players • Boomers • Generation X • Millennials(aka Generation Y)

  7. Defining Factors • Historical events • Music/books • Technology • Parental Expectations • Values

  8. Boomers • Generally defined as those born 1946-1964. • Vietnam War, Civil Rights Movement, Space program, the Kennedy and King assassinations • Rock & Roll, TV

  9. Boomers • Grew up in an era of reform. • Not afraid of confrontation; challenge established practices • Confident, independent, loyal, cynical, work-centric

  10. Boomers • Motivated by position, perks and prestige • Define self-worth by accomplishments • “Workaholics” • Don’t understand why Gen X and Millennials think they can get ahead without “paying their dues” • Fault younger workers for working remotely • Competitive

  11. Boomers • Work is somewhere to go as well as something to do • Equate success and commitment with high salaries and long hours

  12. Generation X • Generally defined as those born 1965-1981. • Sometimes called the “MTV generation” • Energy crisis, Chernobyl, Space Shuttle challenger, fall of the Berlin Wall, 1990’s economic boom. • Video games, computers. Grunge and hip-hop music.

  13. Generation X • Cited by the U.S. Census Bureau as the most highly educated generation • Smaller than previous generations due to birth decline • Initially labeled as insecure, angst-ridden underachievers • Now independent, resourceful and self-sufficient • Rather than challenge leaders with the intent to replace them, challenge systems and institutions

  14. Generation X • Dislike being micromanaged and structure work hours. • Embrace a hands off management philosophy. • Enjoy challenging assignments. • Thrive on & seek out diversity, challenge, responsibility and opportunities to give creative input • Dislike “meetings about meetings”

  15. Generation X • Skeptical – grew up in a time of high divorce rates, corporate layoffs and public scandals • Saw parents lose hard-earned positions. • More willing to change jobs to get ahead than boomers • Work to live rather than live to work. Bring fun & humor into the work place

  16. Millennials • Generally considered to be those born 1982-200X. • Known by multiple names: Generation Y, Echo Boomers, Generation Me, Trophy Generation, Peter Pan Generation • Columbine School shooting, Oklahoma City bombing, dot.com bust, current financial crisis • Cell phones, then smart phones. Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber.

  17. Millennials • Most studied generation in history • Well-versed in technology, plugged in 24/7 • Feel incredible pressure to conform • According to Jean Twenge (“Generation Me”), display confidence, tolerance, entitlement, narcissism, rejection of social conventions

  18. Millennials • Communicate through email, text messaging, instant messaging • Prefer webinars to lecture-based presentations • Willing to trade high pay for fewer hours and flexible schedules • This is often viewed as a lack of commitment, discipline and drive

  19. Millennials • “No person left behind” – loyal, committed, want to be involved and inclusive • Crave attention • Seek frequent feedback, praise & reassurance • May benefit from being matched with a mentor who can provide 1:1 attention

  20. Millennials • Lives have always been busy & structured • Work is an activity, not a place • By the end of this decade, will be the dominant age group in the workforce • May be drawn to this field in higher numbers because of their traits

  21. Compensation & Benefits • Bonuses • Vacation • Career ladders • Other perks

  22. Mentoring, Coaching & Supervision • Feedback • The importance of cross-training • Relationships and boundaries

  23. Communication • Meetings • Memos/Emails • IM and Texting

  24. Recruiting and Retention • Job postings • Interview process • Opportunities for growth and development

  25. Managing Teams • Communication • Expectations

  26. Professionalism • Dress code • Office geography • Schedules

  27. Other impacts on agencies • Social media • Texting

  28. What can you learn from them? • Boomers • Gen X • Millennials

  29. Resources and Additional Reading • Generations: The History of America’s Future, 1584 to 2069 (Neil Howe and William Strauss) • Generation Me: Why Today’s Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled – And More Miserable Than Ever (Jean M. Twenge) • Not Everyone Gets A Trophy: How to Manage Generation Y (Bruce Tulgan)

  30. Resources and Additional Reading • n-gen People Performance White Paper: http://www.ngenperformance.com/pdf/white/ManagingGenDivide.Overview.pdf • Life Course Associates (Neil Howe): http://www.lifecourse.com/

More Related