GENERATIONAL DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE Billie Taylor Lynn Lawrence.

GENERATIONAL DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACEBillie Taylor

Lynn Lawrence

Agenda

Generational Differences The need to communicate the

differences How to generate synergy among the

generations Changing demographics

Four Generations in the Workplace

• Mature/Traditionalists/Veterans (born 1925-1942)

• Baby Boomers (born 1943-1960)• Generation X (born 1961-1981)• Gen Y (born 1981-2000) - baby boomlets, echo

boomers, Millennial, Generation Why?, Sept. 11 Generation, Dot-com Generation, Next generation

• Generation Z (born 2001-now) – homeland generation, silent generation, Generation 1-to-1

The Traditional generation

The Traditional generation is the oldest generation in the workplace, although most are now retired. Also known as the veterans, the Silents, the Silent generation, the matures, the greatest generation, this generation includes individuals born before 1945, and some sources place the earliest birth year to 1922 (www.valueoptions.com). Members of this generation [hereinafter Traditionals] were influenced by the great depression and World War II among other events and have been described as being conservative and disciplined, as having a sense of obligation, and as observing fiscal restraint (Niemic, 2002). They have been described as liking formality and a top down chain of command, as needing respect, and as preferring to make decisions based on what worked in the past (Kersten, 2002).

The Baby Boom generation

Most sources identify Baby Boomers as people born between 1943 and 1965. The U.S. Census Bureau defines Baby Boomers [Hereinafter ‘Boomers’] as individuals born between 1946 and 1964. The Baby Boom generation has also been referred to as the “pig-in-the-python” (Callanan & Greenhaus, 2008). This generation is referred to as the Baby Boom, because of the extra seventeen million babies born during that period relative to previous census figures (O’Bannon, 2001). It has had the largest impact on American society due to its size — roughly 78 million

Generation X

In a study about the civic engagement of Generation X, the U.S. Census Bureau defined this segment of the population as consisting of individuals born between 1968 and 1979. However, the upper limit of Generation X in some cases has been as high as 1982, while the lower limit has been as low as 1963 (Karp et al., 2002). This generation was also called the baby bust generation, because of its small size relative to the generation that preceded it, the Baby Boom generation. The term Generation X spread into popular parlance following the publication of Douglas Coupland’s book about a generation of individuals who would come of age at the end of the 20th century.

Generation Y

The lower limit for Generation Y may be as low as 1978, while the upper limit may be as high as 2002, depending on the source. Members of Generation Y may include individuals born between 1980 and 1999 (Campton & Hodge, 2006); 1978 and 1995 (The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association Office of Diversity, 2006); 1980 and 2002 (Kersten, 2002); and 1978 and 1988 (Martin, 2005). The label associated with this generation is not yet finalized. Current labels include Millenials, Nexters, Generation www, the Digital generation, Generation E, Echo Boomers, N-Gens and the Net Generation. Members of the generation have labeled themselves as the Non-Nuclear Family generation, the Nothing-Is-Sacred Generation, the Wannabees, the Feel-Good Generation, Cyberkids, the Do-or-Die Generation, and the Searching-for-an-Identity Generation.

Generational Traits Test

My generation spent most Saturday nights

A. At the movies and then at the drug store

B. At the bowling alley with friends

C. Cruising main street in our hot cars listening to Blondie

D. Talking on the Internet with someone from China


Some of my generation’s favorite music was by

A. Frank Sinatra B. Beatles C. Madonna D. Usher


The first thing my generation wanted to buy after graduation was A. A home B. A car C. A company D. A personal

computer


In my generation birthday parties

A. Were only for rich people

B. Included a meal and cake I got to pick

C. Meant coming up with a cool new theme each year

D. Consisted of a jumping castle, a DJ and a caterer


A favorite childhood toy of my generation was a A. Board game B. Hula Hoop or

bicycle C. Barbie or GI Joe D. Game Boy or

Playstation


A favorite childhood drink of my generation was A. Coca-cola B. Kool-Aid C. Anything diet D. Starbucks


Kids of my generation dreamt of becoming a famous sports star like A. Babe Ruth B. Roger

Staubach C. Michael Jordan D. Tiger Woods


One of the biggest fashion statements of my generation was A. Starched white

shirts or girdles B. Bell bottoms or

wooly sideburns C. Designer jeans or

long bangs that stuck straight up

D. Baggy low-riding pants or body piercing


When my generation thinks of their fathers, they think about A. The good care he

provided for the family B. The fun family

vacations he took us on

C. When he didn’t live at home any longer

D. My real dad or step dads?


If my generation got into trouble, our moms would A. Spank us B. Say “Wait until

your father gets home!”

C. Put us into time out D. Ignore us until she

found a solution in a self-help book.


Brothers/sisters in my generation A. Played with us

and helped us do chores

B. Were fun till we became teens

C. I see once a year, we both are so busy

D. Which one? Step or real?


One of my generation’s daily chores might have included A. Setting the table or

heating water to wash the dishes

B. Washing or drying dishes

C. Loading or unloading the dishwasher

D. What dishes? We use paper plates


When someone from my generation grew up, we wanted to be A. A doctor B. The President C. An

entrepreneur D. A celebrity


Mostly A’s, you’re a Traditionalist Mostly B’s, you’re a Baby Boomer Mostly C’s, you’re a Gen X’er Mostly D’s, you’re a Millennial

Adapted from Graeme Codrington. Compiled by Beth Kneupper and Pam Foster

Traditionalists Statistics

Population – 44.2 million Events• Pearl Harbor bombing• World War II• Great DepressionIcons• Reader’s Digest• Blondie• Golden age of radioMusic• Benny Goodman, TommyDorsey, Frank Sinatra, EllaFitzgerald, Billie Holiday

Boomers Statistics

Population – 76 millionEvents• Vietnam• Man on the Moon• Woodstock• Assassinations of JFK, MLKIcons• Television• Birth Control Pill• Civil rights• Sexual Freedom• Peace, Love and Rock and RollMusic• Led Zeppelin• Beatles• Motown

Gen X Statistics

Population – 47 million Events• Civil Rights Movement• Challenger disaster• Fall of Berlin wall• Desert StormIcons• Martin Luther King• Personal computer• The Simpsons• Tattoos• Music videosMusic• Santana, Bee Gees, U2,

Madonna,Nirvana, Temptations

Gen Y Statistics

Population – 54 millionEvents• OK city bombing• OJ Simpson trial• Columbine shootings• Clinton-Lewinsky scandal• Challenger explosionIcons• Internet• Nintendo/Playstation• Beanie Babies• Web pages• Body piercingMusic• Whitney Houston, The Spice Girls,Backstreet Boys, Metallica, Selena,Michael Jackson1.5 million will graduate this spring

Gen Z Statistics

Population – 25.5 million so farEvents• 9/11• Iraq war• Digital revolution – broadband and

wifi internetIcons• Simulations/virtual icons• iPODs/iPhone• PDAs/cell phones• Google• Tivo• Reality TV• HD 3D video gaming• WikiMusic• American Idol, Britney Spears,Hillary Duff, Black-eyed Peas,Usher, Snoop Dogg

Working with Traditionals

Try:

• Formal, structured work environments – face to face meetings• Close proximity to co-workers• Partnering them with new hires• When communicating be clear, polite and concise• Train on new technology• Recognition for their loyalty and

service

If you are a Traditional:• Speak your mind – rock the boat• Try mentoring roles with Gen Y• Share your knowledge and be

open to new things

Traditional motto – “Ask not what your country can do for you – but what you can do for your country.” JFK

Working with BoomersTry:

• Have easy to use technology or nontechnology

options (phone is key)• Like to work in teams, collaboration and hands-on training• Lots of areas for impromptu meetings (break rooms, resource areas, etc.)• Including competition in some form• Make it about them – Their nickname is the Me generation• Focus on how they fit in the big picture (hierarchy)If you are a Boomer:• Try not to be overly sensitive• Put the process ahead of the results• Be open to others with differing opinions

Boomer motto – “He who has the most toys –WINS!”

Working with Gen X

Try:• Using technology• Get to the point• Be sincere• Problem solving orientation• TrainingIf you are an Xer:• Engage with your team.• Ask for what you need.• Be patient with the process.• Lighten up!Gen X motto – “Get a life and have some fun.”

Working with Gen YTry:• Nurture them.• Be open and friendly.• Make it fast and fun.• Give them opportunities for• collaboration.If you are a Gen Y:• Strive for independence.• Look for a mentor.• Listen more, talk less.• Learn to deal with conflict

Gen Y’s motto – “Make yourself useful and change the world!”

Working with Gen Z

This group is so new, we are not sure.

Try: • Only time will

tell.

Core Behaviors for Managers

1. Believing in employees

2. Helping employees achieve balance

3. Developing career plans with employees

4. Adapting to differences

Office Managers

1. Focus on the mission, goals, and vision

2. Create group synergy3. Validate the need for

individuality, but the need for team work

4. Create an environment for open communication

5. Enforceable Guidelines

What are They Looking For?

Traditionals• Consistency• Structure• Clear rulesBoomers• Leadership

opportunities• Team environment• Friendly

atmosphere

Gen X• Flexibility• Fun/informal• Development

opportunitiesGen Y• Collaboration• Challenges• Fun and flexible

Team Members Must

Everyone must know their roles They must know the impact of not

performing them as a team They must be properly trained Older techs are role models for the

other staff… make sure they perform in a manner you want others staff to perform

Must establish mutual trust They must be held accountable

Must be rewardedMust be reprimandedAccountability MUST BE

SPECIFICA leaders feelings should not be the reason for rewards or reprimands!

Team Concepts

Open Discussion Each stakeholder or group must

be aware of the teams importance Purpose or mission of team What is the expected outcome Resources needed to support the

team in it works Vision/direction Values: courtesy, respect, sensitivity Team Goals…established mark for

all members to attain Team Efficiency is based on a

team’s synergy

Attributes of Every Good Team

Trust… linked to the behavior of team

Ethical Behavior… doing what is right Sharing… actively listening and speaking Critical Judgment…sincere/tactful criticism Synergy…the ability to work with harmony/smoothly

Cooperation… breeds ownership Integrity…the bridge between character and

conduct

Out of the box performance

Great teams are never satisfied with status quo

Thinking outside of the box is a common practice

Keys to Effective Teams

Building Rapport and Relationships

Respect for what others do is a must!

Relationships among team members are the bonds that enable teams to accomplish goals

Relationships with other teams are the bonds that help to cross team boundaries to accomplish even more

Keys Cont…. Trust

If you forget any of the others, don’t forget this one

Trust is the cornerstone by which all teams build

Attitude

A positive attitude is a must

In the infamous words of Buzz Lightyear “To infinity and Beyond”

Keys Cont….

Flexibility…maintain a rigid state of flexibility

Skill/Experience - are the essential tools

required to accomplish the team task

Group Behavior - critical to goals,

vision, and mission, accomplishments (how well we work and play together)

Elements of Teamwork Effective Communication Commitment at all levels Leadership Common Purpose Common Goals Understanding Roles Ownership Mutual Respect Satisfaction Defined success Relationships

10 Things Every Employee Should Do

Show up on time Come prepared to work Greet your co-workers Communicate effectively Ask questions Get involved Avoid gossip Be positive Check out with co-

workers before you leave

S.M.A.R.T. Goals

Specific Focused on critical items

Measurable Concrete deliverables

Achievable Produces highest

performance and motivation

Relevant Currency on important

issues

Time based Must have deadlines

Make a score card to track the goals

Use a thermometer or some other device to show progress for all

Leadership Guidance

Guidance from a new commander:

Col Pheln

--Do the right things, and do right--Take the initiative, own the mission--Lead humbly, follow enthusiastically--Care for Airmen and their families--Be safe

Communication

A woman is standing nude, looking in the bedroom mirror.

She is not happy with what she sees and says to her husband, 'I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly.I really need you to pay me a compliment.'The husband replies, 'Your eyesight's darn near perfect.‘

And then the fight started.....

Benefits of Effective Teams

Accomplish more faster Every team member

becomes stronger as the team becomes stronger

Higher expectations, higher outcomes

Staff is happier/motivated Less time spent on trivial

matters Many, more….survey

How to be Flexible

• Keep a bulletin board in thebreakroom with family

photos• Be clear with dress code• Be sensitive about religiousholidays• Update your policy manual• Options for time off• Ask your employees toeducate you about them• Have an open door policy

Resources

• Your coworkers, kids and grandkids• The Internet• Conventions/conferences/classes• Books– Connecting Generations, Claire Raines– Generations at Work, Zemke, Raines and Filipczak– America Generations, Mitchell– Managing Generation Y, Martin and Tulgan– Beyond Generation X, Raines– The Next Generation, Leung

GENERATIONAL DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE Billie Taylor Lynn Lawrence.

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Transcript of GENERATIONAL DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE Billie Taylor Lynn Lawrence.