By Colleen Rickenbacher
At one point, we would ask if a person was an “Aquarius” or a “Pisces.” Now, we function on a much broader frame and work within four generations in the workplace.
Our elders or our Traditionalists, have pretty much passed the reins to the Baby Boomers, which are also considering retirement, or at least thinking about it in the next five to ten years. So it keeps going down the ladder to Generation X, that has been stepping up as our leaders and then Generation Y or our Millennials, born from the early 1980s and early 2000s, who have also been taking the lead.
What we are facing now are the changes that are happening in the workplace and the adjustments to their lifestyle. The new generation of Millennials are outnumbering the Baby Boomers and they are also the fastest growing segment of the workforce. It is projected by the U.S. Bureau of Statistics that by 2020 Millennials will make up 40% of the workforce and by 2025, they will comprise 75% of the workforce. Needless to say, at this very moment they are reshaping our workplace. But their style and concept of work “varies” from the earlier generations.
Statistics show that Millennials have a much higher rate than any other generation to be job hoppers. They will stay in a job much less time if necessary than a Generation X and definitely a Baby Boomer. But a Millennial is seeking a work/life balance.
Initially the Millennials frustrated me with their “laissez faire” type attitude. It was a come in to the office, do their 9-5 job and then go home without carry armloads of work with them or volunteering to stay extra to help with a special project or just to complete a job. As a Baby Boomer, you always came early to work, stayed late and carried work home. But, I am beginning to think I like their attitude and appreciate their forward thinking style. Maybe an 8-6 job wouldn’t be too bad (as you see, I still can’t work a 9-5 job).
A major difference is that the Millennials grew up with an electrical device attached to them and according to the statistics; the Millennials touch their own smartphones 45 times a day. They understand technology. This is a generation that has always had the ability to just press a button to get any answer they could possibly want at their fingertips and send a message across the world within seconds. They had this advantage starting from birth. They have always had smartphones, laptops and social media as their norm of communication. In my office, I was excited when we got our first fax machine that we all shared and I started out using an IBM Selectric II. At this point, some of you might be wondering what that is. Trust me, it was at least an electrical piece of equipment to type. I personally, thought I was pretty “cool” when I got the upgraded machine in the office.
This generation is also attributed with being our best-educated young adults in the U.S. history. So they have many advantages, but that should be to our advantage and we should be happy. So why do we still seem to have challenges in the workplace.
Differences
What we see in the Millennials is a younger generation of people that want to do it quickly. A generation that seems to require a need for feedback and encouragement and that their work has been worthwhile. While Baby Boomers and Gen Xers seek job security and more structure.
Challenges
We are still in different places and still struggling to work together and trying to give up the notion who should be leading all because of age and style.
What Can We Offer One Another
Baby Boomers and Generation X
- Experience and the years of leadership
- Associates and a long list of clients and contacts
Millennials
- Ambition, drive, skills and technology
- New skills of learning
Statistics show that Millennials have a much higher rate than any other generation to be job hoppers. They will stay in a job much less time if necessary than a Generation X and definitely a Baby Boomer. But a Millennial is seeking a work/life balance.
This is exactly what the Millennials can offer the other generations. The secret to the “work/life balance.” I have been saying I need that for years, but never taking the time to do it. They seem to have the magical formula. They come in and get their work done and then seem to go home relaxed to spend more time with their family and friends. I am sure there is still the stress and concern over their job, but they do seem to have a much more relaxed “can-do” attitude.
It seems to me, that we definitely have something to offer to one another. Change and growth is a wonderful concept and interacting and integrating ideas will always make for a better product or company. It’s time we share and learn the best from all these generations. Step back and look at the whole picture. You might even see something different from time to time.
About the Author
Colleen Rickenbacher is an author, speaker, trainer and consultant handling all areas of etiquette, protocol, civility and communication skills. Her four books and training cover practical business and dining skills, the proper etiquette and protocol to navigate globally in any international climate and effective activities for making great impressions, boosting problem-solving skills, and improving customer service. Her one book The Big Book of People Skills Games has just gone international.
Colleen is an active member in the hospitality industry and can be seen and heard regularly on national radio and television.
