GENERATIONS IN THE WORKPLACE
By Desiree Whalen
Account Executive, Inside Sales
Wisconsin-Iowa Shopping News, Woodward Community Media
Our group of MVPs have had some great conversations in the last couple of months about topics that remind us of the many factors that contribute to individual values, communication styles and perspectives.
In last months MVP at Work clip, Amanda Thooft, of Star Publications, covered the conversation of different personalities and how being cognizant of individual differences of personalities can help improve communication and relationships with others, even ourselves; be it the workplace, business or personal relationships.
This month our group piggybacked off the topic of personalities and delve into the hot topic of generational differences. We have all either been a part of, or overheard conversations at some point about the silent generation, baby boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z and/or Gen Alpha.
There are a wider range of generations in the workforce than ever before. People are remaining in the work force and running their businesses into older age for a number of reasons; increased life expectancy being a major contributor. In order to effectively communicate and perform acts of service in the workplace and in business with our clients; even friends and family, we need to be aware of generational differences, perhaps, as much as personality differences.
One of the arguments about generations often heard is when individuals feel like they identify better with generations that are outside of their age range or don’t understand generations outside of their own at all. While the list of descriptions below gives a good idea of the breakdown of current generations in our businesses, there are variables like experiences and different conditioning that create overlap into one or more of these categories. Keeping this in mind helps prevent rigid generalizations, which is also important in relationship building and communication.
The diagram below is from Purdue Global and gives an outline of each generation currently in the workforce with years for each generation, the events that shaped them, traits, motivations, communications styles and worldviews. Hopefully by having a better understanding of each generation, we can find on ground and/or a better perception of values and strengths that help us build better relationships with each other.
Not in this list is Gen Alpha. (2010-2025) Gen Alpha is not quite into our workforce yet, but they will be in the next decade! With individuals working longer before retirement, if they retire at all, we will experience working with a wide range of generations, now and into the future. Gen Alpha ranges from 2010-2024. Gen alphas are independent, self-sufficient, socialize virtually and have a lower learning curve for technical skills. This generation is shaped by the 2020 pandemic. We can start learning about this generations traits and values now to be better prepared to welcome and adapt this generation into the workforce in the future. Learn more about Gen Alpha here.
Hopefully, this information serves as an informative reminder that we all come from different times and spaces. There are strong and challenging traits in each generation. As leaders, publishers and community allies, it is our job to foster the strengths each of us bring to the table. We can open up gates of perception and solve a lot of problems by better understanding each other and working together.
Dez
Account Executive, Inside Sales
Wisconsin-Iowa Shopping News, Woodward Community Media
Our group of MVPs have had some great conversations in the last couple of months about topics that remind us of the many factors that contribute to individual values, communication styles and perspectives.
In last months MVP at Work clip, Amanda Thooft, of Star Publications, covered the conversation of different personalities and how being cognizant of individual differences of personalities can help improve communication and relationships with others, even ourselves; be it the workplace, business or personal relationships.
This month our group piggybacked off the topic of personalities and delve into the hot topic of generational differences. We have all either been a part of, or overheard conversations at some point about the silent generation, baby boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z and/or Gen Alpha.
There are a wider range of generations in the workforce than ever before. People are remaining in the work force and running their businesses into older age for a number of reasons; increased life expectancy being a major contributor. In order to effectively communicate and perform acts of service in the workplace and in business with our clients; even friends and family, we need to be aware of generational differences, perhaps, as much as personality differences.
One of the arguments about generations often heard is when individuals feel like they identify better with generations that are outside of their age range or don’t understand generations outside of their own at all. While the list of descriptions below gives a good idea of the breakdown of current generations in our businesses, there are variables like experiences and different conditioning that create overlap into one or more of these categories. Keeping this in mind helps prevent rigid generalizations, which is also important in relationship building and communication.
The diagram below is from Purdue Global and gives an outline of each generation currently in the workforce with years for each generation, the events that shaped them, traits, motivations, communications styles and worldviews. Hopefully by having a better understanding of each generation, we can find on ground and/or a better perception of values and strengths that help us build better relationships with each other.
Not in this list is Gen Alpha. (2010-2025) Gen Alpha is not quite into our workforce yet, but they will be in the next decade! With individuals working longer before retirement, if they retire at all, we will experience working with a wide range of generations, now and into the future. Gen Alpha ranges from 2010-2024. Gen alphas are independent, self-sufficient, socialize virtually and have a lower learning curve for technical skills. This generation is shaped by the 2020 pandemic. We can start learning about this generations traits and values now to be better prepared to welcome and adapt this generation into the workforce in the future. Learn more about Gen Alpha here.
Hopefully, this information serves as an informative reminder that we all come from different times and spaces. There are strong and challenging traits in each generation. As leaders, publishers and community allies, it is our job to foster the strengths each of us bring to the table. We can open up gates of perception and solve a lot of problems by better understanding each other and working together.
Dez
