Intergenerational Work Force Traditionalists Boomers Xers Nexters

Traditionalists Silent Generation Veterans Baby Boomers Early Late Generation X Baby Busters Early Late Next Generation Millennials Generation Why Intergenerational Work Force

Traditionalists Born 1920 to 1944 Grew up in the Great Depression and WWII Some characteristics Dedication, devotion to hard work Respect for authority, rules Perseverance, delayed gratification Honor, integrity “A commitment made is a commitment kept.” Intergenerational Work Force

Traditionalist Myths Low motivation and productivity at work Studies show they can be more productive than others Are sicker, not as healthy Do not use more sick time than younger employees Are accident prone They have fewer on-the-job accidents Intergenerational Work Force

Baby Boomers Born 1945 to 1964 Approx. 76 million Some characteristics Expectation to be center of attention Optimism re: life and future Preference for teamwork Desire for self-gratification Longing for personal, spiritual growth Intergenerational Work Force

Early Boomers Born in 1940s Center of attention Desire to prove worth Career + finances Economic achievement Yuppies Workaholics Conspicuous consumers Late Boomers Born in ‘50s, ‘60s Family values Interest in balancing career + family More laid-back attitude Some successful in ‘80s Others struggled Cynicism re: material possessions, trends Intergenerational Work Force

Boomer Myths Will leave the work force in large numbers Started saving late for retirement Plan to continue working for satisfaction, too Can’t, won’t learn new skills Consider themselves lifelong learners Many enter adult education programs Will retire comfortably Many are not on track to enjoy their current standard of living Intergenerational Work Force

Generation X Born 1965 to 1980 Approx. 45 million Some characteristics Hate their “name” Work/life balance Casual approach to relationships Self-reliance Skeptical attitude to authority, rules Excellent technological aptitude Intergenerational Work Force

Generation X Myths Materialistic 1st generation that will not improve on parents’ standard of living Work to live, not live to work Whiners Great financial liabilities Late to start on goals Act like other owe them Skeptical of government, large corporations Give-and-take relationship at work Slackers No problem with hard work Conscious of parents’ exploitation at work in ‘80s Intergenerational Work Force

Next Generation Born 1981 and later Approx. 73 million Some characteristics Optimism High-tech ability Worldly awareness from reality media Ethnic diversity Sense of civic duty, moral conviction Intergenerational Work Force

Generation Nexters Have used personal computers for most or all of their lives Admire integrity of elders Very little phases them due to media exposure Global perspective underscored by diversity in friends, family, and acquaintances Want frequent feedback Intergenerational Work Force

Intergenerational Work Force Karen McCullough Managing the Mix