Generations at Work
For more than 10 years, I’ve had the opportunity to facilitate discussions about generational differences in the workplace. In fact, my observations regarding the different perceptions Traditionalists, Boomers, Xers, and Millennials bring to work led to an interview with Morley Safer that appeared on “60 Minutes.”
Each generation brings unique experiences and expectations to work. Want an example? Try mentioning the term “work-life balance” and see how the different generations react. Boomers gave up on “balance” a long time ago, and even now they think that a successful performer arrives at work early, stays late, and comes into the office every weekend. From the day they arrived at work, members of Gen X have tried to transform the workplace to create some “balance.” Meanwhile, the Millennial generation maintains that we should forget about “balance” and focus instead on “work-life integration.”
In case you don’t find current generational differences challenging, just wait. Gen Z has already entered high school. Within a decade, they’ll enter your workplace.
My programs help members of different generations understand each other’s unique expectations. Participants learn specific techniques they can use to enhance interactions with members of other generations.
