Kids Today

Call them what you will, Generation X, Y or Baby Boomers; each of these generations brings a diverse set of personality traits, expectations and attitudes to the workplace that can pose a challenge for managers today. Employees of different age groups may have unique approaches to communication, work and careers. By acknowledging the differences and focusing on the similarities and vast experience these groups offer, employers can increase moral, productivity and possibly their bottom line.

The premise behind labeling generations is that an individual’s values are formed by events that take place as they are growing up. Those who grew up during the Great Depression, for example, are perceived to be thriftier due to the economic struggles they encountered. Gen Y on the other hand, grew up during events such as the Columbine shootings and may see life as fleeting and as a result have a ‘live for the moment’ outlook. The impact of these events can have an influence on a person’s attitude and beliefs which may have a direct impact on their behavior.

Generation Born Work Ethics & Value Communication

Media

Baby Boomers 1946-1964 • Workaholics

• Work efficiently

• Crusading causes

• Personal Fulfillment

• Desire quality

• Question authority • Touch-tone phones

• “Call me anytime”

• In person

Generation X 1965-1980 • Eliminate the task

• Self-reliance

• Want structure and direction

• Skeptical • Cell phones

• Call me only at work

Generation Y 1981-2000 • “What’s next?”

• Multitasking

• Tenacity

• Entrepreneurial

• Tolerant

• Goal Oriented • Internet

• Picture phones

• E-mail

(Hammill, 2005)

Generational differences in the workplace have been around as long as there has been work to be done. So what different challenges, if any, are managers being faced with today compared to previous time periods? In a world where most Gen Y’s can’t imagine living without their cell phones, laptops and multiple other ‘instant’ devices, technology may...