The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center University of Pittsburgh, School of Social Work

403 East Winding Hill Road Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

Phone (717) 795-9048 Fax (717) 795-8013 www.pacwcbt.pitt.edu

108: Multi-Generational Differences in the Workplace

Outline Curriculum

Developed by:

Jeanne Schott, MSW Deborah Mock, Jerry Sopko,

and Brian J. Davis, MSW

For: The Pennsylvania Child Welfare

Training Program

University of Pittsburgh, School of Social Work

November, 2012

The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center 108: Multi-generational Differences in the Workplace

Copyright © 2012, The University of Pittsburgh

This material is copyrighted by The University of Pittsburgh. It may be used freely for training and other educational purposes by public child welfare agencies and other not-for-profit child

welfare agencies that properly attribute all material use to The University of Pittsburgh. No sale, use for training for fees or any other commercial use of this material in whole or in part is permitted without the express written permission of The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource

Center of the School of Social Work at The University of Pittsburgh. Please contact the Training Program at (717) 795-9048 for further information or permissions.

The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center 108: Multi-generational Differences in the Workplace

Agenda for 3-hour Curriculum on Multi-Generational Differences in the Workplace

Estimated Time Content Page

40 Minutes Welcome and Introductions 1

1 Hour, 30 Minutes Facts, Figures and Data 1

40 Minutes How Do Generational Differences Relate to

Everyday Issues 2

10 Minutes Conclusion 3

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Section Name Estimated Time Key Concepts Resources Used

Section I: Welcome and Introductions

40 Minutes

Method of Presentation: Lecture, Small Group Discussion, Large Group Discussion

• Brief introductions & workshop overview: o Trainers will introduce themselves. o Participant introductions.

• Review Handout #1 (Learning Objectives and Agenda)

• Small group discussions about myths and realities related to generational differences

• Large group processing and discussion of myths and realities and identification of actual barriers and strengths that are present within each generation

• Name Tents • Markers • Idea Catcher • Handout #1:Learning

Objectives and Agenda

Section II: Facts, Figures and Data

1 Hour, 30

Minutes

Method of Presentation: Lecture, Large Group Discussion Distribute Handout #2 (PowerPoint Presentation). Distribute Handout #3 (Generational Differences in the Workplace) and Handout #4 (General Characteristics of the Generations). Utilize these Handouts in the presentation of the following.

• Review the characteristics of each generation o Traditionalists o Baby Boomers o Generation X o Generation Y

• Ask participants if they agree with the characteristics identified in the materials presented.

• Discuss the historical influences of each generation and how that might impact one’s values.

• Discuss the core values of each generation

• Handout #2: PowerPoint Presentation

• Handout #3: Generational Differences in the Workplace

• Handout #4: General Characteristics of the Generations

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• Discuss motivators and tips for working across generational divides.

Section III: How Do Generational Differences Relate to Everyday Issues

40 Minutes

Method of Presentation: Lecture, Large Group Discussion Distribute and review Handout #5 (Five Basic Methods of Conflict Resolutions)

• Communication and communication plans • Retention • Supervision • Conflict resolution

o Denial or Withdrawal o Suppression or smoothing over o Dominance o Compromise or negotiation o Collaboration

• Change management • Relationship development • Motivation • Small group activity:

o Participants will now consider a current or pending organizational issue that may be impacted by generational issues and identify the following: 1. Who are the people involved in this issue and

what generation are they from? 2. What are these people’s strengths and

weaknesses? 3. What other things need to be considered beyond

the generational differences? 4. What system/structures/processes impact this

issue? 5. What are some quick wins that we can identify to

try to rectify this issue? 6. What are the roles and responsibilities of those

• Handout #5: Five Basic Methods of Conflict Resolutions

Multi-Generational Differences in the Workplace

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that are involved? 7. Complete an action plan to figure out who will do

what by when.

Section IV: Conclusion

10 Minutes

Method of Presentation: Lecture, Large Group Discussion

• Participants will review their action plans so that they can transfer the information learned back to their agencies.

• Participants will discuss two or three responses to the action plans that were developed.

• Review resources. • Allow for any additional questions. • Distribute workshop evaluations.

Workshop evaluations

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References Balderrama, Anthony. (2008). “When You’re the Youngest Person on the Team.”

CareerBuilder.com http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-1030-The-Workplace-When-Youre-the-Youngest-Person-on-the-Team/

Dobbs, Jason; Healy, Patrick; Kane, Katherine; Mak Daniel; & McNamara, Tay K. (July 2007).

The Multi-Generational Workplace. The Center on Aging and Work at Boston College. http://agingandwork.bc.edu/documents/FS09_MultiGenWorkplace_000.pdf

Geier, John G. and Dorothy E. Downey. Library of Classical Profile Patterns. Performax

Systems International, 1979. 15 vols (30 p.) Hersey, Paul. Management of Organizational Behavior: Leading Human Resources, 8th ed. Hersey, Paul. (1979). Situational Leadership, Perception, and the Impact of Power. Group &

Organization Management, Vol. 4, No. 4, 418-428 Martin, Megan. “Generational Differences in the Workplace.” University of Missouri Extension.

http://www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swcp/docs/Generational%20Differences%20in%20the%20Workplace.pdf

“Managing a Multigenerational Workforce: The Diversity Manager’s Toolkit.” (2004). Cook

Ross, Inc. Zupeck, Rachel. (2008). “Are You the Oldest Worker On the Team: Tips to Work Successfully

with People Younger than You.” CareerBuilder.com http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-1040-The-Workplace-Are-You-the-Oldest-Worker-On-the-Team/?ArticleID=1040&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=83001a0e88394a9d84201e7447f00083-288086996-wl-6&ns_siteid=ns_us_y_Are_You_the_Oldest_Wo_