Every Generation has a silver lining….
Christen Uber December 10, 2007
Since 60 minutes aired their segment titled “The Millennials are Coming” on November 11th hundreds of comments and blogs have been posted regarding the positive attributes and challenges faced within the workplace as it relates to the Millennials impact. The irony is about 15 years ago similar news cast and articles were addressing the challenges faced with the entry of Generation X into the workforce. We were the computer generation and companies were going to have to enter into the technology age to keep us engaged. Xers were the independent and skeptical employees which made managing us challenging for our managers. This is not any different then what we as managers and Human Resources professional face today - it is called change.
Change is difficult for most people, especially the generations prior to Gen X. (Remember Gen Xers were inundated with change politically, socially and economically. I think we have it down. ) However, we do not need to embrace change with negativity or resistance. With change comes some great and everlasting opportunities. As the old saying goes, in ever cloud there is a silver lining. So for a moment, let’s look at the positive contributions each generation imparts resulting in “today’s workforce”. As Tom Brokaw commented during a recent interview with Time Magazine, “Within every generation there is greatness”.
Baby Boomers (1946-1964)
Known Facts:
- Largest population of today’s workforce equaling about 40%
- Raised to believe they could be anything they wanted to be
- Acquiring material possessions was a symbol of success
- Sacrificed family time for advancement
- Embodied a “whatever it takes” attitude
- Long working hours equals success
Positive impact:
The Baby Boomers defined, for a very long time, the ideal work ethic. They also defined what it meant to be fiercely competitive. Today the proceeding generations are still being compared to those traits of the Baby Boomers. They showed all of us what success could look like. This generation introduced the importance of rewards and recognition in the workplace an area of Human Resources that has developed into sometimes its own functional area.
Generation X -(1965 - 1980)
Known Facts:
- Smallest generational cohort sandwiched between the 2 largest generations
- Endure dramatic social and political change
- Experiences the re-entrance and uprising of women entering the workforce without a sophisticated childcare system in place - Sometimes were referred to as “Latch Key Kids”
- Established work/life balance as an important retention factor.
- Believe in working hard but also being paid accordingly
- Prefers immediate rewards and recognition rather than long-term gains
Positive Impact:
Xers positively impacted the dot.com era. At a time when Baby Boomers work habits were already established without the assistance of technology came the Xers who enjoyed and could easily succeed in a multi-stimulating high tech environment. They embraced technology as a means to achieving greater productivity without working the extra long hours thus achieving their work/life balance. They helped the workforce to work smarter not harder.
The Millennials - (1980-1995)
Known Facts:
- “Baby on Board” Syndrome - known as the protected generation as they grew up surrounded by all the safety features, gadgets and rules.
- Grew up with “Helicopter Parent” – this generation is known for their strong ties and involvement from their parents
- Continues to seek and define work/life balance as an essential retention factor
- Technological aptitude and knowledge is far deeper than any other generation
- Career is not a defining factor rather its their contributions they make to their family/friends, community and spiritual pursuits
Positive Impact:
Since this generation is fairly new to the workforce it is hard to say with certainty the positive impact they will have on the workforce. So far, they have demonstrated great optimism and ability to work collaboratively. For them “information overload” does not exist. This generation doesn’t know a time when the World Wide Web, email, instant messaging and texing didn’t exist. Honestly, they wouldn’t know how to work without it. Millennials seem to be continuing Xers initiative for work/life balance taking it one step further with influencing new flexible work models. Additionally, like Baby Boomers who actively participating in setting-up thousands of charities, Millennials are actively participating in giving back to their communities. Thus, more and more companies seem to be getting involved too.
Posted in Human Resources Analytics
