Running a business involves dealing with different kind of people and different age groups. By recognizing and understanding the varying needs of people at different stages of their life and career could actually improve workplace productivity. Managers must be aware of the characteristics of the main workplace generations (Gen Y (aged 18-29), Gen X (aged 30-47) and baby boomers (aged 48-65)) and act accordingly regarding the communication style and compensations system.
Effective communication is one of the keys to effective business. In this respect managers must know that Gen Y is increasingly using instant messaging, yet all age groups prefer face-to-face communication. Employees motivation is also an important factor in the business success thus, one must know that in regard to rewards and bonuses, older workers prefer non-cash items such as time off work and training opportunities while Gen Y have a clear preference for monetary rewards.
Survey results also show that 42% of respondents say that the differences between Gen Y, Gen X and baby boomers actually improve workplace productivity, while 23% say they make no difference.
As for intergenerational conflicts in the workplace, 42% of employees admitted they had these kind of experiences (especially Gen X) while almost three quarters admit they adapt the way they communicate with colleagues from a different generation in order to avoid problems (more likely Gen Y). So, like an old saying says, who doesn’t have old men they better “buy” some.
The numbers and conclusions presented in this post are the findings of the Kelly Global Workforce Index Survey, which obtained the views of approximately 100,000 people in 34 countries covering North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
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Interesting blog, but it’s missing an important part of the equation: Generation Jones (born 1954-1965, between the Boomers and Generation X). Google Generation Jones, and you’ll see it’s gotten a ton of media attention, and many top commentators from many top publications and networks (Washington Post, Time magazine, NBC, Newsweek, ABC, etc.) now specifically use this term. In fact, the Associated Press’ annual Trend Report forecast the Rise of Generation Jones as the #1 trend of 2009. Here’s a page with a good overview of recent media interest in GenJones: http://generationjones.com/2009latest.html
It is important to distinguish between the post-WWII demographic boom in births vs. the cultural generations born during that era. Generations are a function of the common formative experiences of its members, not the fertility rates of its parents. Many experts now believe it breaks down more or less this way:
DEMOGRAPHIC boom in babies: 1946-1964
Baby Boom GENERATION: 1942-1953
Generation Jones: 1954-1965
Generation X: 1966-1978
Thanks this was a good read