PowerPoint Presentation

GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES IN THE WORKPLACEMeghan M. Dunn, M.P.A.Executive assistantsavannah airport commission

1In todays workplace, an unprecedented four generations work side by side.

While this blend of generations adds valuable diversity to the workforce, it also adds complexity.

Which Generation Are You?3Traditionalists1922-1945EACH GENERATION HAS DIFFERENT CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS, GOALS, LIFE INFLUENCES AND BEHAVIORS.Baby Boomers1946-1964EACH GENERATION HAS DIFFERENT CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS, GOALS, LIFE INFLUENCES AND BEHAVIORS.John F. Kennedy/TV DebateGeneration X1965-1980EACH GENERATION HAS DIFFERENT CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS, GOALS, LIFE INFLUENCES AND BEHAVIORS.Millennials/Generation Y1981-2000+EACH GENERATION HAS DIFFERENT CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS, GOALS, LIFE INFLUENCES AND BEHAVIORS.The Apple Agefour generations in one organization

as a manager you should knowWhat are the demographics, without pigeonholing.How to bridge the generations together.What motivates each generation.

Characteristics of generations at workCan you identify the generation?

Motto: Me GenerationWork Is: An Exciting AdventureWork Ethics & Values:WorkaholicsWork EfficientlyDesire QualityQuestion AuthorityAttire: BusinessMotto: Save for Rainy DayWork Is: An ObligationWork Ethics & Values:Hard WorkRespect AuthorityDuty Before FunAdhere to RulesAttire: Formal

Characteristics of generations at workCan You Identify the generation?

Motto: Be Like MikeWork Is: A Contract/Difficult ChallengeWork Ethics & Values:Eliminate the TaskSelf RelianceWant Structure and DirectionSkepticalAttire: Business CasualMotto: Take the Ball & Run With ItWork Is: A Means to an End/FulfillmentWork Ethics & Values:MultitaskersTenacityEntrepreneurialGoal OrientedAttire: Whatever Feels ComfortableTraditionalists Bridging Basics:Value Their Experience. Appreciate Their Dedication. Recognition:Reward service & loyalty with plaques. Personal Motivators:Want their actions to connect with the good of the company.Sense of Self-Worth.Build a perfect personal legacy.

Tips for bridging the generational gap with your employees/co-workersBaby BoomersBridging Basics:Show Respect. Choose Face to Face Conversations.Give Them Your Full Attention. Recognition:Reward to promote & recognize performance. Personal Motivators:Need to see how their actions make a difference.Sense of achievement.Increased SalaryBuild a Perfect Career.

Tips for bridging the generational gap with your employees/co-workersGeneration XBridging Basics:Get to the Point.Dont Micromanage them, although they will try to micromanage you!Recognition:Rewards to recognize personal needs & goals. Personal Motivators:Need Flexibility to Get the Job Done on Their Schedule.Sense of Security.Work to Live.Build a Transferable Career.

MillennialsBridging Basics:Challenge Them.Ask Their Opinion.Provide Timely Feedback.Recognition:Rewards equal tangible evidence of credibility. Personal Motivators:Connect Responsibility with Personal Goals. Sense of Greater Good.Personal RelationshipsBuild parallel careers.

Generation y really is different.In her book, Knowing Y: Engage the Next Generation Now, marketing and media expert Sarah Sladek explains,

This tech-savvy, globally minded generation isnt joining, buying, networking, learning or engaging like other generations.

Here are some stats that help explain what makes the members of Generation Y tick:92 percent believe that business success should be measured by more than profit.80 percent prefer on-the-spot recognition over formal reviews.61 percent feel personally responsible to make a difference in the world. 50 percent want to start their own business, or have already done so.2 years is their average employment tenure.

-11 Things You Should Know About Generation Y, Inc. MagazineBy: Peter Economy Published: Jan 10, 2015Understanding The millennials/Generation y

Constant Need for Feedback.- Is this bid for attention, lack of know how?Confident In Our Abilities, Especially Regarding Technology.- Is this a sense of entitlement, expectation of fast promotion, unwillingly to pay their dues?Crave Immediate Gratification.- Is this a sign of disrespect? Unwillingness to show deference to authority?Not Interested in Working Traditional Hours (9-5).- Is this a sign of a short attention span? Unwillingness to put in the hours?Overly Connected to Our Parents.- Is this a sign of being coddled? Unable to make decisions or work alone?Self-Promotional.- Is this a sign of narcissism? Self Obsessed?Job Hoppers.- Is this a sign of disloyalty? The inability to stick to one thing?

Before you talk, listenBefore you react, thinkBefore you criticize, waitBefore you quit, try

Questions?