The Multigenerational Workplace

Sang-won Byun & Rim Woldeslassie

● Intro

● Understanding 4 Generations Who they are and what are their motivation?

● Design Multigen Training ProgramActivity

● Wrap-up

http://vimeo.com/60776274https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&rlz=1C1CHWA_enUS601US601&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#newwindow=1&q=poll%20everywherehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcDlHEhCVy4&feature=youtu.be

http://vimeo.com/60776274

Modified from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6Zby_7ncK8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcDlHEhCVy4&feature=youtu.be

WW II Baby Boomer Gen Xers Millennial

Outlook Practical Optimistic Skeptical Hopeful

Claire Raines (2006) Connecting Generations

Perspective Civic-minded Team oriented Self-reliant Civic-minded

Leadership Hierarchy Consensus CompetenceAchievement,

pulling together

(Traditionalists, Depression babies, Greatest Generation) ● 5% of workforce● See work as a privilege due to

seeing worldwide depression● Strong work ethic, discipline,

stability, and experience= invaluable employee

World War II Generation (born 1945 and before)

● “Your experience is respected here”

● “It’s valuable to the rest of us to hear what has and hasn’t worked in the past.”

● “Your perseverance is valued and will be rewarded.”

Message that motivate WW II Gen

(Boomers, Vietnam Generation, ‘me’ Generation) ● 39% of workforce● Hold most power & control in

workplace● Team oriented● Show their worth in workplace● Strong work ethic,

communication skills, & emotional maturity

Baby Boom Generation (born 1946-1964)

● “Your opinion is valued”

● “You can work as long as you want to.”

● “We need you.”

Message that motivate Boomers

(Gen X, Baby Busters, Post- Boomers) ● 32% of workforce● Self- reliant ● Able to thrive in chaos

and change● Stay with flexible,

results driven organizations that adapt to their preferences

Generation Xers (born 1965 -1980)

● “Do it your way.”

● “We’ve got the newest hardware and software.”

● “There aren’t lot of rules around here.”

Message that motivate Gen Xers

(Generation Y, Digital Generation, Nexters) ● 25% of workforce● Grew up in more casual

exposure to multiculturalism

● Tend to be more goal- achievement oriented

● Arrive on job with higher expectations

Millennial Generation (born 1980-2000)

● “You will be working with other bright, creative people.”

● “You and your co-worker can help turn this company around.”

● “You can be a hero here.”

Message that motivate Millennials

WW II Baby Boomer Gen Xers Millennial

Learning Style

Classroom Facilitated IndependentCollaborative and

Networked

Lynne c. Lancaster & David Stillman (2002) When generations collide

Technology use

Uncomfortable UnsureUnable to work

without itUncomfortable if

not provided

FeedbackNo news is good

newsOnce per year Week/daily On demand

Corbett, S. (2008). Targeting Different Generations.

The Generational Ice- Breaker

Game 1. Form in either pairs, small teams, or one large circle to discuss2. Ask each person: What’s your middle name and why did your

parents give it to you?

3. Observations

a. Were there any similar names shared by different generational groups?

b. Were there any similar reasons given by participants from different generational groups?

c. Were there any names associated with a certain generational group than another?

Wolfe (2009) Geeks, Geezers, and Googlization

Now into Practice Q1: How would you help ‘your’ generation interact well with other generations?

Design a training program around generational diversity for your organization

Managing Generations Successfully 1.Talk about generations2.Ask about someone’s needs and

preferences3.Give out different options4.Learn about preferences, be flexible,

& personalize style5.Build on your strengths6.Pursue different perspectives

In- Class Question

References ● Armour, S., (2005) Gen Y: They’ve Arrived at Work with a New Attitude, USA

Today, November 6

● Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012) Labor Force Statistics from the Current

Population Survey. http://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat01.htm

● Corbett, S. (2008). Targeting Different Generations.

http://www.stevecorbett.net/edtecportfolio/generations/index.htm

● Lancaster, L. C., & Stillman, D., (2002) When generations collide: : Who They Are.

Why They Clash. How to Solve the Generational Puzzle at Work (HarperBusiness,

NY)

● Murphy, S.A., (2007). Leading a multigenerational workforce. AARP.

● Raines, C., (2003) Connecting Generations: The Sourcebook for a New Workplace:

(Mento Park, CA: Crisp Publications)

● Wolf, I.S., (2009). Geeks,Geezers, and Googlization. Xlibris