RSS SyndicationIn today’s workforce you could easily be a Baby-Boomer (1946-1964) with a Generation X (1965-1976) boss, and working alongside the Millennial’s (1977-1997). These generational gaps can sometimes create a creative and effective office environment, and sometimes not.
With each generation come new values, new beliefs, and new ideals about work, ethics, and freedom.
Currently we are seeing five generations within the workforce including the traditionalist’s (prior to 1946) and Gen 2020 (after 1997).
Take a look at this chart by the University of Michigan Health Systems (2002) which explains a little more about the differences in generations. http://www.med.umich.edu/diversity/pdffiles/file29.pdf 
Some of the biggest differences employers and co-workers have is that the Baby Boomer generations have a strong ambitious drive to succeed on the job; however, the Generation X’ers strive to have more balance between their job and personal life. This can sometimes create a conflict as they may be seen by older generations as ambivalent about their position.
While the differences may seem subtle there are implications for both the company and the co-workers. It’s important that the different generations learn how to balance each other out, utilize their strengths and weaknesses and work together in a more empowering way. Additional challenges come from the vast changes in technology over the years, leaving dedicated Boomers feeling out of the loop and behind the times, when in actuality their dedication and commitment is as instrumental as the technological advances of the younger generations.
Overall, it’s a matter of finding what works for the generations you work with, value where they are coming from and honor their personal work ethics to create a balanced and harmonious work environment where every generation can thrive.
What have you seen in your workplace regarding the different generations? Do you see it is a challenge or an asset?
