Unit 1

MULTIPLE GENERATIONS

Multiple generations in the work place

Margaret Nau

Kaplan University

GB520-03N

Strategic Human Resource Management

Dr. Ken Rauch

September 8, 2011

There is a serious new problem in the workplace, and it has nothing to do with downsizing, global competition, pointy-haired bosses, stress or greed. When considering workplace diversity, people tend to think in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, or cultural or religious background. However, one of the most striking ways in which today's workforce has become more diverse is in age. The problem of distinct generations — the Veterans, the Baby Boomers, Gen X and Gen Y — working together and often colliding as their paths cross. The objective of this research proposal is the comparison of managing a multi-generation workforce. For the first time ever, there are multiple generations working for a single organization. How does this affect the Human Resource Department of those organizations and what are they doing to make everyone happy? What does each generation want from an employer? The workforce of today is more diverse than ever. There are currently four generations with distinctly different values, attitudes, and work expectations in the labor make. Managing multiple generations is challenging. We will need to look at each generation to understand their wants and needs of an employer and organization. Can a human resource department be all things to all people? Can they mange the diversity of the work force while staying true to the company’s values and mission statement? Why are there currently so many different generations working?

The four generations currently in the workforces are Veterans, Baby boomers, Generation-X and Nexters. These generations (or cohorts) are approximately defined as follows:

■ Veterans (aka Traditionalists, WWII Generation)—born before 1945 (age...