Generational Communication The Changing Workplace By 2006 80

Generational Communication

The Changing Workplace * By 2006, 80 million aging baby boomers totaled one-third of the nations population – in the next decade or so they will retire * The growth rate of the US labor force declined from 2. 5% per year in 1965 to 0% in the 1990’s * From 2010 to 2030, the portion of the U. S. population over age 65 will grow four times as much as it did in the last 80 years * There will be a 30% shortfall of younger workers, a shortfall that will persist for 40 years

Overview Identify four generations in the workplace, and define them by experiences and events. Identify the values system of each generation and how those value affect motivation and behavior in the workplace Develop an understanding of how different generations communicate and how it affect relationships in the workplace. Determine how your approach may need to change when coaching, managing and leading employees of different generations Appreciate and gain respect for what is important to each generation

Generations at Work * The events and conditions each of us experience during our formative years help define who we are and how we view the world. * The generation we grow up in is just one of the influences on adult behavior: gender, race, religion will also influence our behavior * Caution : Not all generalizations apply – We are all individuals

Why Learn About The Generations? * Changing demographics * Better understanding of it’s impact in the workplace * Increase the personal competency in communication and management * Promote teamwork

When Generations Fail To Communicate * May impact turnover rates * May impact tangible costs (i. e. recruiting, hiring, training, retention) * May impact intangible costs (i. e. morale) * May impact grievances and complaints * May impact perceptions of fairness and equality

Generations * Traditionalists, Veterans Born Prior to 1946 * Baby Boomers Born 1946 -1964 * Generation X, Gen-Xers Born 1965 -1980 * Nexters/Millennials Born 1981 -2002

Traditionalists Events & Experiences Born Prior to 1946 * Great Depression * New Deal * WW II * Korean War * Atomic Bomb

Traditionalists Values * * * Grew up during wartime, shortages and sense of lack Frugal Hard Work Dedication & Sacrifice Honor / Respect for Rules Duty before fun

Other Traditionalists * Conservative somewhat dressy clothing * Neatly trimmed hair * Memories of Marx Brothers, Sinatra, Big Bands, Big Cars * TV included Ed Sullivan, Bonanza, Father Knows Best * Heroes include FDR, Superman, Babe Ruth, Dimaggio, Patton, Mac. Arthur * Memorabilia include Juke Boxes, Blondie, Lone Ranger, Charlie Mc. Carthy

Baby Boomers Events & Experiences * Civil Rights * Space Travel * Cold War * Sexual Revolution * Assassinations

Baby Boomer Values * * * * Optimism Team Orientation Loyal Workaholics Like relationships in the workplace Interested in health and wellness Open minded

Other Baby Boomer * May wear designer glasses, whatever is trendy * Longer Hair * Designer Suits * Memories of Smothers Brothers, Beatles, Lassie, Drive In, Mickey Mouse Club * TV includes Laugh In, Westerns, Lassie, Mod Squad, Carson, MASH, Sunday Night Disney * Heroes include John and Jackie Kennedy, MLK, John Glenn, John Lennon, Gandi * Memorabilia includes fallout shelters, TV dinners, Hula Hoops, Peace Sign, Poodle Skirts,

Generation X Events & Experiences * * * Fall of Berlin Wall Women’s Liberation Watergate Latchkey Kids Energy Crisis Desert Storm

Generation X Values * Self Reliance/Autonomy * Diversity * Tech Savvy * Fun & Informality * Pragmatism

Other Generational X’ers * May wear functional clothing, have tattoos, any style hair, naval or nose rings * Memories of Tonya Harding, Snoop Doggy Dog, Beavis & Butthead, Video Games * TV includes SNL, Friends, 90210, Cosby, * Heroes include Michael Jordan, Ron Reagan, Magic Johnson * Memorabilia include Brady Bunch, Pet Rocks, Platform shoes, ET, The Simpsons, Sesame Street, Cabbage Patch Dolls

Nexters/Millennials/Gen Y Events & Experiences * Oklahoma City * School Shootings * Technology * Clinton/Lewinsky * Conservative Values * 9/11

Nexter/Millennials/Gen Y Values * * * * Optimistic Civic Duty Political Confident Goal Setting is Priority Respect for Diversity Social

Nexters/Millenials/Gen Y In Workplace * * * Fastest growing segment of the workforce High expectations of self and employers Looking for job security Likely to change careers Important to periodically update skills Seeking employers that focus on development and training * Focus on work-life balance * Changes management styles

Other Nexter/Millennials * May wear Retro Clothing, Spiked , bleached or “in style” hair, Body Piercing * Cell phones, IPODs * Memories of Goo-Goo Dolls, Trench coat Mafia, 9 -11 * TV includes Dawson Creek, The WB, Malcom in the Middle, Who wants to be a Millionaire, That 70’s Show * Heroes include NYPD/NYFD, Parents, Mother Theresa, Bill Gates, Mia Hamm, Tiger Woods * Memorabilia include, Barney, Teenage Mutant Turtles, American Girl Dolls, Spice Girls, X-Games, Oprah, Rosie

Generations in the Workforce Traditional 7% Millenial 23% Boomers 41% Gen X-ers 30%

Workplace Characteristics Traditionalists Work Ethic and Values Baby Boomers Generation X Hard work Workaholics Eliminate the task What’s next Respect authority Work efficiently Self-reliance Multitasking Sacrifice Crusading causes Tenacity Duty before fun Personal fulfillment Want structure and direction Adhere to rules Desire quality Skeptical Tolerant Question authority Work is…. . Generation Y An obligation An exciting adventure Entrepreneurial Goal oriented A difficult challenge A means to an end A contract Fulfillment Leadership style Directive Command-andcontrol Consensual Collegial Everyone is the same Challenges others Asks why *TBD Interactive style Individual Team player Loves meetings Entrepreneur Participative

Workplace Characteristics (Cont. ) Traditionalists Communications Formal Baby Boomers Generation X In person Direct E-mail Immediate Voice mail Sorry to interrupt, but how am I doing? Whenever I want it, at the push of a button Memo Generation Y No news is good news Don’t appreciate it Satisfaction in a job well done Money Messages that Motivate Your experience is respected You are valued Do it your way You are needed Forget the rules You will work with other bright, creative people Work and Family Life Ne’er the twain shall meet No balance Balance Feedback and Rewards Title recognition Work to live Freedom is the best reward Meaningful work

Workplace & communication strategies to use with Traditionalists * Formal rather than informal * Face to face, not text or email * Honor the chain of command * Offer them job security * Traditional recognition; plaques, photos Messages * “Your experience is respected here” * “Loyalty is valued and rewarded”

Workplace & communication strategies for communicating with Baby Boomers * * * State objectives and desired results of the team Choose face-to-face conversations Give them your full attention Love pep talks Recognition with wide public profile like a company newsletter Messages * “You are valued” * “Your contributions are important to our success”

Workplace and communication strategies for communicating with Generation X * Get to the point * Use e-mail * Tell them what needs to be done, not how * Give them multiple task, let them prioritize * Lighten up * Regular, honest feedback * Informal recognition, such as a day off Messages * “Do it your way” * “We are not very corporate here”

Workplace and communication strategies for communicating with Nexters/Millenials/Gen Y * * * * Provide continuous opportunity for learning and building skills Know their goals, and show them how they fit in the big picture Challenge them Ask them their opinion Find them a mentor Be more of a coach, less boss Communicate informally through email and hallway conversations * Messages * “Your boss is in his/her sixties” * “You and your co-workers can help turn this company around”

Bridging The Gap * Be aware of the differences, embrace them * Appreciate the strengths, draw on them * Recognize the contributions and intricacies of all

Valuing Differences Information flows in all directions in a learning organization. The most successful leaders find a way to let every generation be heard. They recognize that no one has all the answers. This appreciation of diversity allows each group to contribute and be a part of the growth of an organization.