I first heard about the concept of generational differences in the workplace about 2 years ago while I was studying for my first Master’s degree with Roosevelt University. I suppose I already knew about generational differences, but I had never really observed them in my own life until I started working in my current Government job in public health.
It seems the topic is getting a lot of discussion, at least online, because there are 4 different generations in the workplace now for I guess the first time in history. Though the numbers of “Eisenhower’s” are dwindling as they are at or past the traditional retirement age, and now the older end of the Baby Boomers are retiring and Generation X, my generation, is starting to take on more leadership roles in the workplace as we now move into midlife. Generation Y is of course coming up behind us. For myself, I think I’m a pretty prototypical Gen X. I was born in 1969, so it puts me at the slightly older end of the range, but I was in high school during the 80′s and I grew-up in the 80′s which is what I think really makes someone “Gen X.”
However, I don’t notice myself having too many conflicts with Gen Y. I seem to fit in with them very easily. But I like the techno gadgets and social networking sites and texting and writing blogs (obviously) and twittering too! So maybe I’m more of a young Gen X at heart.
Anyway, I have noticed a real difference, a “generational gap” if you will, to use an overused term one more time, amongst Gen X and Boomers and Eisenhower’s. There aren’t many Eisenhower’s generation left in the workplace now since they are basically at or past retirement age. But the Boomers and the Eisenhower’s have a lot of the same ideologies and work habits I think.
The following is a collection of observations I’ve made, along with some things that I’ve read through various sources.
Let’s start with an example:
I have a coworker, who is a young Baby Boomer, he is actually only about 7 years older than me. But you would think we were 20 years apart. He is very conservative and believes that what you do at your job doesn’t really matter. What is more important is to be seen working late, even if you aren’t really working. He likes to call it “face time.” So he will stay around the office later than most, but his work quality is horrible, he makes a lot of mistakes. But in his way of thinking, and I think a lot of Boomers think this way, getting the job done or done right matters less than having people think you are working hard and giving more of yourself.
For me, and I think this is pretty typical of Gen X, I’m not so concerned about people thinking of me as someone who is always willing to working overtime. But I like to be known as someone that when he is at the office does a good job. I get the job done, and my work that I put in is quality work. However, when the 8 hours is up, now it’s my time and I’m off to pursue other personal interests. WE call that “work/life balance.” Our total weekly working hours is probably less, but the quality of both our work and our personal life is probably more.
Another big difference that I’ve noticed is communication style. Boomers almost without exception prefer face-to-face contact or using the telephone. With Gen X, it is variable, but many Gen X like to use email for communication. WE find it more efficient and I think we like having the written documentation.
Many of the Boomers at the office prefer the phone over email to the point that some of them won’t even use email to communicate. We have one coworker who brags that he never even reads his emails. I think he thinks he is “cool in an old-school” kind of way, but most of us just think of him as unprofessional.
The advantage of email I think is that it is less intrusive. If I call you on the telephone, maybe I’m interrupting you. But if I email you, you can read it at your leisure and get back to me. Hopefully!
Another difference I’ve noticed is in terms of education. I think Boomers view education as a means to an end. In other words, you get the degree to get a job. If the degree doesn’t make you any money, then it is worthless. Whereas I feel that the education itself is its own reward. Yes, I would like to make more money with the degree, but if I don’t, that’s okay too. Education for its own sake and lifelong learning are cornerstones of Gen X beliefs.
And Boomers like their predecessors, the Eisenhower’s, prefer a rigid top-down approach to management. Boomers grew up in an era where they embraced ideas about equality, especially in the workplace, but when they hit midlife they sold out on those beliefs and cashed in on BMWs and stock portfolios. For Gen X, I think we prefer a more collegial atmosphere, realizing that responsible people can “self-manage.” Boomers on the other hand seem to like to lead or be led.
Of course there are always exceptions and individual personalities sometimes “win-out” over generational tendencies, but these have been my observations.
