The Multi-Generational Workforce
The workforce becomes younger and younger every day. This means that new mindsets and worker behavior have to integrate with your current workforce, which may consist of earlier generations. This can come with many challenges; however, it also presents opportunities for growth, new perspectives, and diversity within your workforce.
Navigating the multi-generational workforce is becoming the new norm and businesses across must adapt and accept these changes. Whether you’re in the engineering or IT industry, some young adults are eager and hungry to begin their careers.
The Different Generations
Let’s take a look at the different generations within the workforce and analyze how they differ from one another. This will give you a better understanding of why it is important to know your workforce.
Baby Boomers (1946 - 1964)
While on the verge of retirement, baby boomers are still prominent in the workforce. Baby boomers are described as competitive workaholics, while also being team-oriented and optimistic. Although, as they begin to plan for retirement, these characteristics may start to diminish, and will be less motivated and more focused on retiring. That being said, Baby Boomers set the example for the younger generations who are beginning their careers and can act as mentors to those younger generations.
Motivation Factors
Baby Boomers are thought to be motivated by company loyalty, teamwork, and duty. This can range from incentivizing these employees for achieving set goals, providing them with more collaboration-style projects, and highlighting the importance, impact, and responsibility their duty has for the company.
Generation X (1956 – 1980)
Generation X is the new generation that is beginning to move into those upper management roles and be more relied on by the company they work for. Generation X is described as informal and flexible workers. They prefer to engage in more natural conversation rather than the traditional and formal work environment dialogue. Although not like your traditional baby boomer, Generation X is skeptical and independent within the workforce. They enjoy the independence of being able to explore ventures and see where different paths can take them. This generation is more likely to move on from their employer if their visions cannot be fulfilled.
Motivation Factors
Generation X is thought to be motivated by work-life balance, diversity in their job, and their personal-professional interests rather than the company’s interests. This means that this generation will react negatively if they are working long hours that affect their personal life.
Also, providing this generation with diversity within their tasks will keep them focused and refreshed, decreasing the chance of burnout. Finally, allowing this generation to grow their professional resume, keeps them motivated as they will strive to be more focused on growing their professional skills which reflect positively on your company.
Millennials (1981 - 1996)
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