1. Generational Differences
Presented by:
Linda Blocksom
Learning & Development Manager

2. What was HOT when you were in high school?
Bands and cars
Fun
Fads and trends

3. Session Objectives:
Define values and characteristics for each generation
Discuss ways to work effectively in a multi-generational workforce
Introduce Idea: when thinking of generations, we focus on differences, yet we all have similarities. Across generations there are many values that remain stable as well as new characteristics from which we can learn—our similarities unite us, our differences enrich and strengthen our work and social lives. Keep in mind values that have been passed down to you and through generations as we continue the presentation.

4. Sweeping Generalizations Ahead!

5. Four Generations at Work
Traditionalists Born
Baby Boomers Born
Millennials Born
Generation X Born
Coming Soon!
Generation Z

6. Formative years
Values
Effect on Workplace

7. Discussion
Think of someone you know or have worked with who was from a generation different than yours. Was there anything about the way that person behaved that puzzled you?

8. Employee & Organizational Development

9. Veterans or Traditionalists
Generations Defined
Veterans or Traditionalists
Born between
Number about 9 million in the workforce
Known for:
Loyalty, traditional mindsets,
and a steadfast work ethic

10. Traditionalists

11. Traditionalists’ Traits
Loyalty, duty, patience, dedication, conformity, hard-working
Patriotic
Faith in institutions
Value politeness, respect, and privacy
Had a hierarchical structure

12. Communicating with Traditionalists
Describe (tasks) from start to finish
Offer detailed directions
Make information organized and factual
Respect their experience and listen to their stories

13. Generations Defined Baby Boomers
Born between Number about 77 million in the workforce Boomers are known for: service orientation, appreciating individuality, and championing change

14. Baby Boomers

15. Boomers’ Traits Driven, sometimes workaholics Question authority
Self-actualization, involvement, change, personal growth, teamwork

16. Communicating with Boomers
Allow them space to ‘make a difference’
Push them towards action (versus discussion…)
Allow and encourage them to learn and grow
Treat them as equal—not less than, not on a pedestal, and never “old”
Question us when we say we are overworked

17. Generations Defined Generation X
Born between
Number about 50 million in the workforce
Gen X is known for: being perceptive, confident, and independent

18. Generation X

19. Generation X Traits
Technologically savvy
Diverse
Independent & Entrepreneurial
View job as “means to an end” not a way of life
Can be viewed as elusive/avoidant
Compartmentalizes life
Less loyal to company but not to the job
Skeptical, casual, ambitious, balanced, healthy, confident, secure

20. Communicating with Generation X
Share information— keep “in the loop”
Do not attempt to be something you are not
Be straightforward
Do not micromanage
Allow for flexibility, as much as possible
Prove your knowledge and credibility

21. Generations Defined Millennials or Generation Y
Born between 1981-mid 1990’s Number about 80 million in labor force Millennials are known for: being constantly connected, optimistic, and having a teamwork orientation

22. Millennials

23. Millennials: The other side of the story
o situate this premise, let us consider Millennials’ unique historic experiences. This generation came of age in a post-9/11 America primarily at war. High profile data breaches and Edward Snowden’s disclosure that America engaged in mass surveillance of its own citizens has seriously shaken young professionals’ trust in government. Additionally, both the government’s and the private sector’s reluctance to take decisive action to stymie global climate change leaves many millennials frustrated by what they see as a problem of epic proportion that has been passed along to them to handle. Lastly, Millennials are drivers of today’s movement of ethical consumerism. Their socially responsible attitudes are both despite and because of a set of crises, most notably a recession set in motion by Wall Street that was deeper than any other since the Great Depression that seriously damaged Americans’ confidence in financial, banking, and governmental institutions.
Millennials want straightforwardness in what they understand to be a capricious, unstable world. Despite their reputation for laziness, they work hard and feel strongly about wanting their work to be meaningful in ways that older generations typically do not insist upon. According to the United States Treasury, millennials tend to invest in organizations that prioritize the greater good more than any previous generation. Unlike preceding generations, who were more concerned with charitable giving in traditional ways, Millennials approach the question of how to invest their time and their money more strategically  with an eye toward “social impact investing” that serves the greatest good. They are largely civic-minded and driven by their strong sense of local and global community. According to Pew Research Center, millennials are far more connected to their peers than institutional power structures and tend to be more upbeat than older generations despite much higher levels of student loan debt and unemployment. David Burstein, author of the book “Fast Future,” describes Millennials’ approach to social change as “pragmatic idealism.” He notes that this generation expresses a deep desire to improve the world and that they recognize this will require the creation of new institutions while working within existing structures.

24. Communicating with Millennials
Provide clear direction and whole story- “Why?”
*Seek and provide them with regular feedback
Do not create parent/child paradigm--treat as equal adults, expect the same in return
Give them something to own
Let them run with their ideas
Don’t know how to receive negative feedback, even if it is a No, you can’t do that…feel like they are in trouble or are getting yelled at. Don’t understand the concept of interdependence

25. Gen Z
Gen Z does not know a time without the internet. Does not know a time without security measures that are still new to some of us, school safety drills, guards at the door, signs about guns. This generation is worried Learning – Favor streaming content in small bites via phones or tablets. Unused to “live programming” …commercials…Easily lose focus if distractions occur, and attention spans may be lower because information is processed faster (snapchat etc.) Not interested in post grad education, have seen millennials come out of grad school with huge debt and no job to show for it. A return to entering the workforce right out of high school, will teach themselves, find a mentor, learn a trade. Most racially diverse generation ever, and therefore have a preference toward inclusion and equality, especially related to race and gender and marriage equality. More inclined to look for and get excited about bargains – much more frugal than prior generations, saw parents spend too much and lose homes because of it..

26. Advice for all generations
Understand what balance means to each generation.
Show flexibility in your communication.
Value tradition as well as innovation.
Provide resources to all, and encourage development.

27. Thank you!
Peace Out!