Generational Gaps In The Workplace

How do Generational gaps affect companies' management styles?

Every generation has unique strengths and weaknesses. While differences in styles and expectations are the common reason that creates tension among employees, recognizing every generation's need is essential for the company's success.

Companies may need to adapt as their workforce changes and grows.?

Here is a guide on how to approach the five generational differences in the workplace:

Traditionalists (1925-1945)

• Shaped by the Great Depression, World War II, Radio, and movies.
• Employers should emphasize stability and provide satisfying work opportunities.
• This generation is motivated by delivering long-term value to the company, respect, and recognition.

Baby Boomers (1946-1964)

• Shaped by the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, and watergate.
• Employers should offer coaching style feedback and provide specific goals and deadlines.
• This generation is motivated by company loyalty, teamwork, and duty.

Generation X (1965–1980)

• Shaped by the AIDs epidemic, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the dot-com boom.
• Employers should extend opportunities for personal development and give immediate feedback.
• This generation is motivated by work-life balance, diversity, and their interests rather than the companies.

Millennials (1981–2000)

• Shaped by the Columbine, 9/11, and the Internet?
• Employers should provide immediate feedback, flexibility in their schedule, and get to know them personally.
• This generation is motivated by unique work experience, responsibility, and the quality of their manager.

Generation Z (2001-2020)

• Shaped by life after 9/11, the Great Recession, and access to technology from a young age.
• Employers should provide work-life balance, offer opportunities to work on multiple projects at the same time and allow them to be self-directed and independent.

With this information, managers and HR executives can develop multigenerational strategies in recruitment, orientation, talent management, retention, and succession planning.

Need help with how to manage different generations at your company? Consult our team today!