ACROSS THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE : Conflict Resolution at the Workplace

1. ACROSS THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE: Conflict Resolution at the Workplace In Honor of National Conflict Resolution Day At the Veterans Administration A workshop presented by: Eileen Barkas Hoffman, Commissioner & Project Director Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service (FMCS) www.fmcs.gov

2. Road Mapto Training • Gaining a better appreciation of each others’ traits and values. • Developing a better understanding about differences in workplace norms. • Identifying effective approaches to resolving generation-based conflicts.

3. Background: The Next Ten Years… …will tend toward a talent shortage in spite of increased job creation Total positions to be filled: 52 million Number of jobs to be created: 20 million Number of jobs to be vacated: 32 million Total potential employees available: 29 million Projected employee gap: 23 million Total positions to be filled 52 million Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

4. Workplace Trends • Delayering of the workplace • Incentives other than salary • Different concepts of career and success • Globalized economy and potential outsourcing • Virtual workplace and Technological revolution • Return of the retired worker

5. Generational Groups • Traditionalists(1922-1945): 75 million • Baby Boomers(1946-1964): 80 million • Generation X(1965-1981): 46 million • Millennials(1982-2002): 76 million

6. Workplace Issues Training Traditionalists Hours of Work 5–7 % Dress Code Shared Values Tenure Feedback Gen Xers Boomers 45-55% 35-45% Work Ethic Communication Millennials 2–5% Work-Life Balance Recruitment Promotions

7. Generations in Conflict “They have no work ethic. They’re just a bunch of slackers.” “So, I told my boss, ‘If you’re looking for loyalty, buy a dog.” “He’s been out of training and in the field for 6 months and he wants a promotion – a promotion!” “She wants a ‘career map.’ H---! I don’t even know if there will be a customer relations department this time next year.” “If I hear ‘We tried that in ’87’ one more time, I’ll hurl in his wrinkly old face.”

8. Generations at Work: Clashpoints Four generations working together with different views on: • Authority • Attitude Towards Work • Teamwork/Training • Communication • Development/Skill building/Technology Transfer • Work Life Balance • Rewards/Incentives • Dress Code

9. FMCS works to customize your own Generational Workshop to serve your workforce needs • During this highly interactive workshop, FMCS trainers reveal the criteria for generational viewpoints and applications in the workplace. • Participants learn how they may identify with their own generational group and develop insight into their respective goals and interests in the workplace. • Participants gain a better understanding about communication and workplace conflict by discussing generational differences and learn tips for more effective communication in the workplace.

10. For Further Information…. • Eileen Hoffman – ebhoffman@fmcs.gov • Jennifer Ortiz – jortiz@fmcs.gov • Denise P. McKenney- dmckenney@fmcs.gov • FMCS Institute Courses or (202) 606-5445 www.fmcs.gov