Generational Differences @ Work

Generational Differences @ WorkPresented By:Janea S. McDonald, PHR

“Each generation imagines itself to be

more intelligent than the one that came before it and wiser than the one

that comes after it.”--George Orwell

Edge Consulting, LLC.

Four Generations


TraditionalistsBorn 1922-1945

Baby BoomersBorn 1946-1964

Generation XBorn 1965- 1979

Generation Y (Millennials) Born 1980-2000

“Seek first to understand, then to be

understood.”- Stephen Covey


% in Workforce


Activity

How text savvy are you?



www.parentshouldnttext.com

Effects of Poor CommunicationTurnover ratesTangible costs (recruitment, hiring, training, etc.)

Intangible costs (morale)Grievances and complaintsPerceptions of fairness and equity


Solutions

InclusionCommon groundConversations


FeedbackTraditionalists- “No news is good

news.”Boomers- “Feedback once a year

and lots of documentation.”Xers- “Sorry to interrupt but how

am I doing?”Nexters- “Feedback whenever I

want it at the push of a button.”


Motivators Traditionalists- use personal touch,

perks that are visible signs of status Baby Boomers- Lots of public

recognition, reward work ethic Generation X- time to pursue other

interests, effective constructive feedback

Generation Y- Encourage “can-do” attitude and positive personal self image



Your experienc

e is respected

.

You are valued

and needed.

Do it your way.

Forget the rules.

You will work with

other bright,

creative people.

Traditionalists


What they like: Traditional

classroom structure

Not being singled out

Practicing alone Stress free

environment

How to encourage learning:

Don’t assume technophobia

Take time to discuss important points

Use at least a 12 point font on printed materials

Organize handouts in bullet or outline form

Baby Boomers


What they like: Ice-breaker and

introduction activities

Working in a creative, independent manner

Spirit of collegiality Lots of attention and

“talk” time


Give plenty of time to practice new skills

Avoid “role-playing” Assign team projects Organize materials

with headings and relevant info underneath

Generation X


What they like: Very structured

environment Carefully laid out

plans Using technology


Use pop-culture examples

Give lots of individual attention

Use bullet points, graphics, and white space

Generation Y


What they like: Active learning Multi-tasking More structure


Lots of activities with several steps

Use most up-to-date technology

Tie course or program goals to economic gain

Questions or

comments?

Janea S. McDonald, PHREdge Consulting, [email protected]

Generational Differences @ Work

Business

Transcript of Generational Differences @ Work