A Successful Multi-Generational Work Environment (From Backpacks to Briefcases) Megan Martin Training/Development Coordinator University of Missouri Extension

The New Generation! Stella Marie Bildner

The Effect of Our Times  The shared events and conditions each of us experience during our impressionable years help define the generation we grew up in.

The Effect of Our Times The generation we grow up in is just one of the influences on adult behavior. allow me to be stereotypical

Why Learn About The Generations? Changing demographics Better understanding of colleague and client relationships Improve communication Promote teamwork Bottom line

Four Generations At Work Traditionalists (Matures): born Baby Boomers: born Generation X: born Millennials (Generation Y): born – 89 yrs old) 47 – 65 yrs old 31 – 46 yrs old 10 – 30 yrs old

Four Generations At Work Traditionalists (Matures): born Baby Boomers: born Generation X: born Millennials (Generation Y): born million 41 million 80 million

Generational Differences What the older generation says about the younger generation: Young people want change. Tastes and styles are different. They don’t have much of a work ethic.

Generational Differences What the younger generation says about the older generation: The older generation doesn’t respect that things are different. The older generation always says “When I was your age...” The older generation likes to lecture too much.

Generational Differences May, 1968

Shared Events Think about the shared events for each generation. Write down those events on the work sheet. Think of news headlines, politics, entertainment, technology, leadership, etc.

Events and Experiences Great Depression FRD – One President World War II Radio Korean War Traditionalists:

Characteristics Hard workers Dedication & sacrifice Respect for rules/authority Duty before pleasure Honor, loyalty without questioning Traditionalists:

Events and Experiences Civil Rights Movement Sexual Revolution/ Rock and Roll Cold War Space travel Assassinations Boomers:

Characteristics Optimism, energetic Solved problems by changing the rules Hierarchy at work Personal gratification Live to work – their sense of identity Boomers:

Events and Experiences Watergate Women’s Liberation/Latch Key kids Energy Crisis Space Shuttle Challenger explodes PCs and technology Xers:

Characteristics Accept Diversity Techno literacy Fun and informality Self-reliant/independent Pragmatic/practical Good problem solvers Xers:

Events and Experiences Oklahoma City bombing Columbine School shootings 9/11 Child focused world Clinton / Lewinsky Technology Explosion Millenials:

Characteristics Respect Diversity Techno embracing Confident/Sense of entitlement Volunteering/civic minded Live in the immediacy of the moment Good problem solvers if they are given choices Millenials:

Values in the Workplace Years of service, hard work, tradition, following rules, loyalty, respect authority  Baby Boomers:  Traditionalists: Training, working long hours, moving up based on seniority, teams, involvement  Generation X: Work smarter not longer, pro-active approach to their career, need to see the reason for the task, value time off, give them structure, they will provide you feedback  Millenials: Hard workers but like to have fun, comfortable with mistakes, work with the community, willing to take on projects, like immediate and often feedback

Core Values Traditionalists: respect for authority Boomers: teams, involvement Gen Xers: skepticism, fun, informality Millennials: realism, confidence, extreme fun, social

Colliding Issues GenX supervising Millenials Very independent Very dependent Millenials supervising Boomers Not automatically respectful Automatically respectful Boomers supervising Xers and Millenials Workaholic Work/Life Balance Xers & Millenials supervising Traditionalists and Boomer Tech savvy Not so much tech savvy Other issues?

A Successful Workplace Environment How did the workplace look when you began your job at your youngest years, compared with how it looks now?

Successful Work Place Environment What does a successful work environment look like?

Successful Work Place Environment What does a successful work environment look like? Optimistic and clear leadership Teamwork Engaged and contributing employees Work that challenges and fulfills Work that meets a need Clear expectations Happy/content employees Secure in budget/future Fun and fulfilling work relationships – co-workers and supervisors Continuing Professional Development

Core Values Traditionalists: Respect for authority Boomers: Teams, involvement Gen Xers: skepticism, fun, informality Millennials: realism, confidence, extreme fun, social Successful Work Place Environment

Respect for authority Teams, involvement Skepticism, fun, informality Realism, confidence, extreme fun, social What are the plusses of each generation that we should be taking advantage of?

A Successful Workplace Environment What is changing on the workplace horizon?

A Successful Workplace Environment What is changing on the workplace horizon?

A Successful Workplace Environment What steps are needed in order to ensure we have a successful multi- generational environment?

What Is Needed for Success in the Multi-Generational Workplace? Accept and embrace all generations—Leverage all as a source of great potential (instead of a cause for tension) Change your way of thinking – respect old way/ embrace new way Invest in the right technology Develop engaging training Create new roles

Thank You!

References Zemke, Ron; Raines, Claire and Flipczak, Bob. Generations at Work: Managing the clash of Veterans, Boomers, Xers, and Nexters in Your Workplace. New York. AMACOM, Lancaster C., Lynne, Stillman, David. When Generations Collide. Harper Collins, 2002 Center for Generational Studies Office of Institutional Equity, Duke University Nemiro, Jill; Beyerlin, Michael; Bradley, Lori; Generational Differences in Virtual Teams. Jossey-Bass 2008