Generations in the Workplace

When we speak of generational differences most of us are aware of Baby Boomers and Millennials, but we are hard pressed to name the generations that preceded these two large and impactful generations.  So yes, these are the generations that dominate our psyche and American culture but understanding past generations and the newest generation can only help us understand generational differences in a broader sense. So, here we go.

GI Generation

The GI generation was born between 1901 and 1924.  Numbering sixty-three million, this generation was comprised of winners of World War II, astronauts, fearless problem solvers and innovators.  Tom Brokaw declared them the Greatest Generation.  During their formative years infant mortality fell by 50%, penicillin was discovered and Boy Scouts were founded.  They grew up during an era when the workplace was overwhelmingly dominated by men and woman stayed at home and raised children.

Traditionalists

Forty-nine million Traditionalists were born between 1925 and 1942.  They came of age during the Great Depression and World War II. They were patriotic, loyal and good caretakers of social institutions. They valued hard work and self-sacrifice and typically worked for one organization until retirement, seeking to achieve financial security from company pensions, which were far more prevalent in their era.  Over 50% of men in this generation were veterans.  If they were too young to have fought in WWII, they fought in the Korean War.  Fathers were breadwinners and respect for hierarchy and authority prevailed in the workplace.

Baby Boomers

After World War II, veterans returned home and started families.  More babies were born in the U.S in 1946 than any prior year and started a generation that lasted through 1964.  This huge generation numbered 79 million.  Businesses grew, cities expanded into suburbs, consumerism took a strong foothold as families bought new cars, televisions, and stereos.  The baby boom greatly increased demand for housing, schools and healthcare through the nation.  Unlike generations before them, Baby Boomers were much more progressive than their conservative parents.  They challenged social norms, questioned authority and were more tolerant of diversity.  They placed more value on materialism, wealth and youth, and sought respectable and lucrative careers.  Women were encouraged to find professional fulfillment outside of the home.

Generation X

Generation X was smaller in size compared to previously documented generations numbering about 46 million born between 1965 and 1980.  As Baby Boomer mothers entered the workforce, Generation Xers were typically alone after school (latchkey kids) and learned the important skills of independence and problem solving.  Originally labeled slackers, many Gen Xers went on to become entrepreneurs and innovators. Their work ethic has been described as ambitious, self-reliant, skeptical and financially savvy.  They were the first true computer generation and grew up in homes where cell phones and home computers were prevalent.  Unlike Baby Boomers, they sought balance between work and personal/ family lives.

Millennials

Born between 1980 and 2000, this is the largest generation coming in at 83.5 million. Millennials are considered upbeat, team-oriented, close to their parents, who were heavily involved in their upbringing.  This generation is confident about the future.  They are the first generation to grow up with mobile digital technology and the internet.  They are the most diverse generation and communicate regularly through social media such as FaceBook, Instagram, and Twitter.  Millennials prefer to work in teams, appreciate consistent feedback and clearly defined expectations.  They are expected to be a generation that works to solve significant social and political problems.

Homelanders

Homelanders are the youngest generation and were born in the aftermath of terrorist attacks that took place on September 11. This generation was born between 2001 and will continue through 2020. Homelanders will be the most ethnically diverse generation the country has seen.  Caucasians are not expected to be the racial majority.  They are influenced by technology and social media and are often raised in non-traditional families.  While much about Homelanders is obviously yet to be determined, they are described as hopeful and proud, realistic and pragmatic, and focused on social causes and conservation.

Each generation comes to the workplace with different life experiences and expectations and each has its positives and its negatives. No generation is better than another - it is helpful to know, though, how to interact with each generation.  Embracing our generational differences and making an effort to understand each other, will ensure that our work places and family spaces are the right environment in which to grow and thrive.