Today's Multi-Generation Workforce Setting
May 15With more and more people postponing their retirement and working late into their 70s, for the first time in our history, we have four generations in the workplace – Matures (1925-1942), Baby Boomers (1943-1965), Generation X (1965-1980) and Generation Y, also known as Millenials, (1981-2002). An interesting article published in the Spring issue of Hispanic MBA provided insights into each generation.
I think the research conducted by author Natalie Augustin of The Professional Advantage consulting group shows how important it is for managers and staff alike to understand and learn how to bridge the gaps that exist between multiple generations who work together in the same environment. Understanding better the generation traits of your supervisor can help improve your overall effectiveness and relationship with him or her. By the same token, those who supervise others can more effectively manage their staffs by understanding their motivational drivers.
Of course there are a number of other factors that contribute to an effective work group, but knowing, understanding and respecting those things that make each generation a little different from the other, can help get teams to that high performance state that employers seek.