Baby Boomers Gen X & Gen YHow do we work together?

The GenerationsVeterans pre 1946Baby Boomers1946 1964Generation X1965 1977Generation Y1978 1994

Understanding Y by Peter Sheahan

Characteristics GEN X

Both parents workingLatch key kidsMore resourcefulIndividualistic, self reliant & irreverentRelationships OutcomesTheir rightsOwn view on corporate loyalty & status symbolsEasy to recruitHard to retainEnjoy technologyGEN Y

Optimistic, cyber kidsConfident & sociable Strong morals Passion community serviceComfortable with ethnicityWorkplace flexibilityThink differentlyMature, resilient & practicalFast learners Multi-taskersTeam orientatedTechnology is their bagGrew up with Internet, speed & access to info

Values VETERANS

PrivacyHard workTrustFormalityAuthoritySocial orderBABY BOOMERS

CompetitionHard workSuccessTeam workBody languageAnti rules Fight for a cause

GEN Y

Positive reinforcementPositive attitude Diversity Money Technology Team work

GEN X

Entrepreneurial spiritIndependence CreativityInformation Feedback Quality work-life

Factors to consider:Gen X - most educatedGen Y - most technologically savvyBoomers often took a job for lifeGen Y - expect change jobs regularlyGen X - want work / life balanceGen Y team focussed

We don't have to agree howeverwe must strive to understand the different mind-sets and how each group sees the world based on their experiences

Differences & similarities to benefit our businesses

Veterans work firstBaby Boomers live to workGeneration X work to liveGeneration Y live then workDIFFERENT OUTLOOK

Benefits from multigenerational work teams

More flexible Broad insight in your customer base Talented people of all agesDecisions are strongerMore innovative Meet the needs of diverse public

StrategiesEducate the managers & leadersCoach less experienced team membersRe-design jobs to fitOffer greater flexibility in work contractsMobilise the workforceDevelop Learning OrganisationsCreate more inclusive workplaces

ExamplesUse IT savvy Gen Y with technologyWorkplace flexibility Reward interest with projectsRegular meetingsInclude in goal settingAsk them what they want

Motivational TacticsRespect Straight talkGood payInteresting workFeel their job is importantDefined roles & responsibilitiesOpportunity for self-development Amount of freedom & flexibility

Communicate with XersLearn the language of X Use e-mail & voice mailPresent facts, use straight talk Ask them for feedback Share info immediately & often Use an informal communicationListen! Provide a challenging environmentAllow individual growth & developmentAssign projects that stimulate

Communicate with YersPaint pictures with wordsUse action verbs cut the crapDon't talk downShow respect Use e-mail, voicemail & textUse visual communication Constantly seek their feedback Use humorEncourage them to explore new options

Team Work Y StyleTeam members mix outside of workEnjoy staff gatheringsEncourage to mix with workmatesArrange social events to involve team

Ys sense of team runs deepGet to know your team, as a team and as individualsBe personableYour staff are people not cogs or numbersDo not patronise they will run a mile

Remember Gen X & Gen YThey dont tolerant poor leadershipThey are not afraid to speak up Use their communication mediumUse their terminologyHave fun at work!