Generational Diversity In The Workplace

1. Generational Diversity In The Workplace Billie Taylor Lynn Lawrence

2. Agenda • Generational Differences • The need to communicate the differences • How to generate synergy among the generations • Changing demographics

3. Four Generations in the Workplace • Mature/Traditionalists/Veterans (born 1925-1942) • Baby Boomers (born 1943-1960) • Generation X (born 1961-1981) • Gen Y (born 1981-2000) - baby boomlets, echo boomers, Millennial, Generation Why?, Sept. 11 Generation, Dot-com Generation, Next generation • Generation Z (born 2001-now) – homeland generation, silent generation, Generation 1-to-1

4. The Traditional generation • The Traditional generation is the oldest generation in the workplace, although most are now retired. Also known as the veterans, the Silents, the Silent generation, the matures, the greatest generation, this generation includes individuals born before 1945, and some sources place the earliest birth year to 1922 (www.valueoptions.com). Members of this generation [hereinafter Traditionals] were influenced by the great depression and World War II among other events and have been described as being conservative and disciplined, as having a sense of obligation, and as observing fiscal restraint (Niemic, 2002). They have been described as liking formality and a top down chain of command, as needing respect, and as preferring to make decisions based on what worked in the past (Kersten, 2002).

5. The Baby Boom generation • Most sources identify Baby Boomers as people born between 1943 and 1965. The U.S. Census Bureau defines Baby Boomers [Hereinafter ‘Boomers’] as individuals born between 1946 and 1964. The Baby Boom generation has also been referred to as the “pig-in-the-python” (Callanan & Greenhaus, 2008). This generation is referred to as the Baby Boom, because of the extra seventeen million babies born during that period relative to previous census figures (O’Bannon, 2001). It has had the largest impact on American society due to its size — roughly 78 million

6. Generation X • In a study about the civic engagement of Generation X, the U.S. Census Bureau defined this segment of the population as consisting of individuals born between 1968 and 1979. However, the upper limit of Generation X in some cases has been as high as 1982, while the lower limit has been as low as 1963 (Karp et al., 2002). This generation was also called the baby bust generation, because of its small size relative to the generation that preceded it, the Baby Boom generation. The term Generation X spread into popular parlance following the publication of Douglas Coupland’s book about a generation of individuals who would come of age at the end of the 20th century.

7. Generation Y • The lower limit for Generation Y may be as low as 1978, while the upper limit may be as high as 2002, depending on the source. Members of Generation Y may include individuals born between 1980 and 1999 (Campton & Hodge, 2006); 1978 and 1995 (The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association Office of Diversity, 2006); 1980 and 2002 (Kersten, 2002); and 1978 and 1988 (Martin, 2005). The label associated with this generation is not yet finalized. Current labels include Millenials, Nexters, Generation www, the Digital generation, Generation E, Echo Boomers, N-Gens and the Net Generation. Members of the generation have labeled themselves as the Non-Nuclear Family generation, the Nothing-Is-Sacred Generation, the Wannabees, the Feel-Good Generation, Cyberkids, the Do-or-Die Generation, and the Searching-for-an-Identity Generation.

9. Generational Traits Test My generation spent most Saturday nights • A. At the movies and then at the drug store • B. At the bowling alley with friends • C. Cruising main street in our hot cars listening to Blondie • D. Talking on the Internet with someone from China

10. Generational Traits Test Some of my generation’s favorite music was by • A. Frank Sinatra • B. Beatles • C. Madonna • D. Usher

11. Generational Traits Test The first thing my generation wanted to buy after graduation was • A. A home • B. A car • C. A company • D. A personal computer

12. Generational Traits Test • In my generation birthday parties • A. Were only for rich people • B. Included a meal and cake I got to pick • C. Meant coming up with a cool new theme each year • D. Consisted of a jumping castle, a DJ and a caterer

13. Generational Traits Test A favorite childhood toy of my generation was a • A. Board game • B. Hula Hoop or bicycle • C. Barbie or GI Joe • D. Game Boy or Playstation

14. Generational Traits Test A favorite childhood drink of my generation was • A. Coca-cola • B. Kool-Aid • C. Anything diet • D. Starbucks

15. Generational Traits Test Kids of my generation dreamt of becoming a famous sports star like • A. Babe Ruth • B. Roger Staubach • C. Michael Jordan • D. Tiger Woods

16. Generational Traits Test One of the biggest fashion statements of my generation was • A. Starched white shirts or girdles • B. Bell bottoms or wooly sideburns • C. Designer jeans or long bangs that stuck straight up • D. Baggy low-riding pants or body piercing

17. Generational Traits Test When my generation thinks of their fathers, they think about • A. The good care he provided for the family • B. The fun family vacations he took us on • C. When he didn’t live at home any longer • D. My real dad or step dads?

18. Generational Traits Test If my generation got into trouble, our moms would • A. Spank us • B. Say “Wait until your father gets home!” • C. Put us into time out • D. Ignore us until she found a solution in a self-help book.

19. Generational Traits Test Brothers/sisters in my generation • A. Played with us and helped us do chores • B. Were fun till we became teens • C. I see once a year, we both are so busy • D. Which one? Step or real?

20. Generational Traits Test One of my generation’s daily chores might have included • A. Setting the table or heating water to wash the dishes • B. Washing or drying dishes • C. Loading or unloading the dishwasher • D. What dishes? We use paper plates

21. Generational Traits Test When someone from my generation grew up, we wanted to be • A. A doctor • B. The President • C. An entrepreneur • D. A celebrity

22. Generational Traits Test • Mostly A’s, you’re a Traditionalist • Mostly B’s, you’re a Baby Boomer • Mostly C’s, you’re a Gen X’er • Mostly D’s, you’re a Millennial • Adapted from Graeme Codrington. • Compiled by Beth Kneupper and Pam Foster

23. Traditionalists Statistics Population – 44.2 million Events • Pearl Harbor bombing • World War II • Great Depression Icons • Reader’s Digest • Blondie • Golden age of radio Music • Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday

24. Boomers Statistics Population – 76 million Events • Vietnam • Man on the Moon • Woodstock • Assassinations of JFK, MLK Icons • Television • Birth Control Pill • Civil rights • Sexual Freedom • Peace, Love and Rock and Roll Music • Led Zeppelin • Beatles • Motown

25. Gen X Statistics Population – 47 million Events • Civil Rights Movement • Challenger disaster • Fall of Berlin wall • Desert Storm Icons • Martin Luther King • Personal computer • The Simpsons • Tattoos • Music videos Music • Santana, BeeGees, U2, Madonna, Nirvana, Temptations

26. Gen Y Statistics Population – 54 million Events • OK city bombing • OJ Simpson trial • Columbine shootings • Clinton-Lewinsky scandal • Challenger explosion Icons • Internet • Nintendo/Playstation • Beanie Babies • Web pages • Body piercing Music • Whitney Houston, The Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys, Metallica, Selena, Michael Jackson 1.5 million will graduate this spring

27. Gen Z Statistics Population – 25.5 million so far Events • 9/11 • Iraq war • Digital revolution – broadband and wifi internet Icons • Simulations/virtual icons • iPODs/iPhone • PDAs/cell phones • Google • Tivo • Reality TV • HD 3D video gaming • Wiki Music • American Idol, Britney Spears, Hillary Duff, Black-eyed Peas, Usher, Snoop Dogg

28. Working with Traditionals Try: • Formal, structured work environments – face to face meetings • Close proximity to co-workers • Partnering them with new hires • When communicating be clear, polite and concise • Train on new technology • Recognition for their loyalty and service If you are a Traditional: • Speak your mind – rock the boat • Try mentoring roles with Gen Y • Share your knowledge and be open to new things Traditional motto – “Ask not what your country can do for you – but what you can do for your country.” JFK

29. Working with Boomers Try: • Have easy to use technology or nontechnology options (phone is key) • Like to work in teams, collaboration and hands-on training • Lots of areas for impromptu meetings (break rooms, resource areas, etc.) • Including competition in some form • Make it about them – Their nickname is the Me generation • Focus on how they fit in the big picture (hierarchy) If you are a Boomer: • Try not to be overly sensitive • Put the process ahead of the results • Be open to others with differing opinions Boomer motto – “He who has the most toys –WINS!”

30. Working with Gen X Try: • Using technology • Get to the point • Be sincere • Problem solving orientation • Training If you are an Xer: • Engage with your team. • Ask for what you need. • Be patient with the process. • Lighten up! Gen X motto – “Get a life and have some fun.”

31. Working with Gen Y Try: • Nurture them. • Be open and friendly. • Make it fast and fun. • Give them opportunities for • collaboration. If you are a Gen Y: • Strive for independence. • Look for a mentor. • Listen more, talk less. • Learn to deal with conflict Gen Y’s motto – “Make yourself useful and change the world!”

32. Working with Gen Z • This group is so new, we are not sure. • Try: • • Only time will tell.

33. Core Behaviors for Managers • Believing in employees 2. Helping employees achieve balance 3. Developing career plans with employees 4. Adapting to differences

34. Office Managers • Focus on the mission, goals, and vision • Create group synergy • Validate the need for individuality, but the need for team work • Create an environment for open communication • Enforceable Guidelines

36. What are They Looking For? Traditionals • Consistency • Structure • Clear rules Boomers • Leadership opportunities • Team environment • Friendly atmosphere Gen X • Flexibility • Fun/informal • Development opportunities Gen Y • Collaboration • Challenges • Fun and flexible

37. Team Members Must • Everyone must know their roles • They must know the impact of not performing them as a team • They must be properly trained • Older techs are role models for the other staff… make sure they perform in a manner you want others staff to perform • Must establish mutual trust • They must be held accountable • Must be rewarded • Must be reprimanded • Accountability MUST BE SPECIFIC A leaders feelings should not be the reason for rewards or reprimands!

38. Team Concepts • Open Discussion • Each stakeholder or group must be aware of the teams importance • Purpose or mission of team • What is the expected outcome • Resources needed to support the team in it works • Vision/direction • Values: courtesy, respect,sensitivity • Team Goals…established mark for all members to attain • Team Efficiency is based on a team’s synergy

39. Attributes of Every Good Team • Trust… linked to the behavior of team • Ethical Behavior… doing what is right • Sharing… actively listening and speaking • Critical Judgment…sincere/tactful criticism • Synergy…the ability to work with harmony/smoothly • Cooperation… breeds ownership • Integrity…the bridge between character and conduct

40. Out of the box performance • Great teams are never satisfied with status quo • Thinking outside of the box is a common practice

41. Keys to Effective Teams • Building Rapport and Relationships • Respect for what others do is a must! • Relationships among team members are the bonds that enable teams to accomplish goals • Relationships with other teams are the bonds that help to cross team boundaries to accomplish even more

42. Keys Cont…. • Trust • If you forget any of the others, don’t forget this one • Trust is the cornerstone by which all teams build • Attitude • A positive attitude is a must • In the infamous words of Buzz Lightyear “To infinity and Beyond”

43. Keys Cont…. • Flexibility…maintain a rigid state of flexibility • Skill/Experience - are the essential tools required to accomplish the team task • Group Behavior - critical to goals, vision, and mission, accomplishments (how well we work and play together)

44. Elements of Teamwork • Effective Communication • Commitment at all levels • Leadership • Common Purpose • Common Goals • Understanding Roles • Ownership • Mutual Respect • Satisfaction • Defined success • Relationships

45. 10 Things Every Employee Should Do • Show up on time • Come prepared to work • Greet your co-workers • Communicate effectively • Ask questions • Get involved • Avoid gossip • Be positive • Check out with co-workers before you leave

46. S.M.A.R.T. Goals • Specific • Focused on critical items • Measurable • Concrete deliverables • Achievable • Produces highest performance and motivation • Relevant • Currency on important issues • Time based • Must have deadlines • Make a score card to track the goals • Use a thermometer or some other device to show progress for all

47. Leadership Guidance • Guidance from a new commander: • Col Pheln • --Do the right things, and do right--Take the initiative, own the mission--Lead humbly, follow enthusiastically--Care for Airmen and their families--Be safe

48. Communication • A woman is standing nude, looking in the bedroom mirror. • She is not happy with what she sees and says to her husband, 'I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly.I really need you to pay me a compliment.'The husband replies, 'Your eyesight's darn near perfect.‘ • And then the fight started.....

49. Benefits of Effective Teams • Accomplish more faster • Every team member becomes stronger as the team becomes stronger • Higher expectations, higher outcomes • Staff is happier/motivated • Less time spent on trivial matters • Many, more….survey

50. How to be Flexible • Keep a bulletin board in the breakroom with family photos • Be clear with dress code • Be sensitive about religious holidays • Update your policy manual • Options for time off • Ask your employees to educate you about them • Have an open door policy