Generational Differences
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This chart provides a quick reference regarding the differences among the various generations in today's workforce. This is an excellent one-screen summary of what you've read in the previous article. Focus on the left-hand column for each factor that most people consider important in the workplace. Then, move across the grid to compare the different expectations and responses.
| Traditionalist (born before 1946) |
Baby Boomer (born 1947-1964) |
Gen X (born 1965-1981) |
Gen Y/ Millennial (born 1982-2000) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What they expect |
Respect for authority |
Quality and a cause to believe in |
Self-reliance and flexibility |
Flexibility while learning and having fun |
| How they communicate |
Formally |
Semi-formally | Candidly and informally |
Electronically and publicly |
| How they learn |
Show me, tell me, put it in the writing |
Engagement | Independently | Experientially, in leaderless teams using multi-media |
| Strengths | Loyalty, trustworthiness |
Corporate savvy, going the extra mile |
Efficiency, adaptability |
Global-mindedness, multi-tasking |
| Challenges | Rigidity |
Workaholics (and expect same from others) |
Rule breakers, skeptical |
Impatient, little respect for hierarchy and authority |
| Messages that motivate |
Your experience is respected |
You are valued and needed |
Do it your way |
You'll collaborate with other bright, creative people |
| Feedback | No news = good news |
Once a year, with something in writing |
Ask "How am I doing?" |
Expected instantly and at the touch of a button |
| Work ethic |
Loyal and dedicated |
Driven, work hard/play hard |
Balanced, independent |
Eager but anxious |
| Flexibility |
Don't get it |
Sandwiched and overloaded but provide it for everyone else |
Want it now and always |
Needed to balance multiple aspects of life |
| Loyalty | To work and authority |
To political correctness |
To work and family |
To self and social consciousness |
| Work hours |
Punch the clock |
Visibility |
Why does it matter if I get my work done |
My work, my life, my way |
| Attitude toward work |
Obligation | Exciting adventure |
Difficult challenge |
Must be fun and make a difference |
This text was adapted by Saylor Academy under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 License without attribution as requested by the work's original creator or licensor.