Generation X, Millenials (Generation Y) & Generation Z: why you need a mix in the office.

Who Makes Up Each Generation?

For members of Gen X, who were born between 1965 and 1980, a generational divide between themselves and Millennials was always obvious.

When Millenials?(born between 1981 and 1996) were starting out in the workforce, there was much debate about how to talk to them, market to them, and work with them. They were the last generation to experience childhood without the Internet. They experienced tragedy, including September 11th and the 2008 recession. These shaped their identities and understanding of the world.

Now however, Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) are coming into their own. Maybe this is due to the pandemic trapping us at home for the last two years and reshaping our sense of selves. Perhaps it’s due to their inclusive and dynamic attitudes about work, politics, sexuality, and style.

How They Do (or Don’t) Fit in the Workplace

It’s almost a cultural tradition that every new generation is maligned as they enter the workforce. Gen X were thought of as unprofessional slackers, poorly groomed and lacking in basic manners.

The most common word hurled at Millenials?was?“entitled”, they were called snowflakes, and criticized for needing constant validation.

Gen Z is still starting out, but as the beginning of their careers aligns with the post pandemic work landscape, there’s an opportunity for them to radically reshape work?into something that better aligns with their values

As an employer, how do you ensure that all generations work together optimally?????

Gen X: efficient coaches

As the baby boomers reach retirement age, Gen X'ers are becoming the most experienced employees in the workplace. Like the baby boomers, they are loyal, optimistic and driven and like to take on the role of coach and share their extensive knowledge with younger employees. This no-nonsense generation is strongly focused on efficiency and tackles matters with a down-to-earth, business-like attitude.

Gen Y or millenials: flexible teamplayers

This generation has put work-life balance, flexible working and - since the corona pandemic, hybrid working on the map. With their great sense of responsibility, millennials strive for a strong bond of trust with their employer. Mutual flexibility is therefore of paramount importance to them. Authenticity is also essential to Gen Y, and these professionals are keen to quickly bring added value to the organisation. Millennials are true team players and value a good atmosphere in the office.

Gen Z: creative multi-taskers

This generation (born between 1996 and 2010) were the first 'digital natives' born into the digital age. As they enter the workplace they bring expertise in current technologies, switch effortlessly from one channel to another and can quickly filter relevant information. This makes them excellent multitaskers. Gen Z'ers, also known as 'Zoomers', have a creative attitude and like to be given the freedom to do things their way, always with an eye on innovation.

This generation also cares about sustainability and it is important to them that their employer is a sustainable business. This attitude is also reflected in their behaviour in the office, which has a positive effect on the employees of previous generations, who may not have been as environmentally aware before.

The perfect mix

In the workplace, each generation brings different elements to the party. With a healthy mix of ages, their strengths will work in a complementary way in the business.

Ensuring different generations work together in the office, means that employers create a corporate culture where knowledge and know-how are passed on efficiently and in both directions. Older generations can share their experience whilst falling back on the digital know-how of younger colleagues for example.

If you want to retain your diverse team of Gen X, Y and Z’ers, employers will need to offer a working environment in which everyone wants to work together. This will certainly require flexibility as each generation has its own style of work. Offering the possibility of hybrid work is a good example of this.??