WORKPLACE GENERATIONS

Four Generations in the Workplace

Four Generations in the Workplace

Introduction

The main purpose of this paper is to make discussion on the four generations in the workplace. We live longer than ever, and we are working longer and longer. This is one of the main reasons why, for the first time in history, four different generations coexist in the workplace, and it has a significant impact on businesses.

As part of these new developments and in order to meet these challenges, Steelcase collaborated on a study which resulted in a publication on the coexistence of different generations in the workplace and the impact of this on businesses and organizations (Gordon, 2005). This publication Capture it, for the future workplace for multi-generational knowledge worker has been published by the Helen Hamlyn Research Centre, a research centre affiliated with the Royal College of Art. The four generations found in this study are: the traditional generation (those born before 1945), the Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1954), Generation X (those born between 1966 and 1977) and Millennium generation (those born between 1980 and 2000).

Discussion

Communication in the workplace should be effective to minimize errors. Often managers are scratching their heads trying to figure out how the simple instructions given could have been misinterpreted. The root of this problem could be due to different communication styles of different generations working in his office. In most companies, there are four generations working side by side. Each generation has its preferred form of communication and for good reason. In order to improve communication with their employees, who need to be proactive in understanding their communication styles and their own (Zemke, 2000).

Millennial

Due to the economic crisis and stock market crashes in recent years, these people are an extension of retirement and remain in the workforce longer. This demographic group is known as the "silent generation" in form centered and calm of doing business. They are put in their private time in the office and go home with their families. Millennial is from the industrial age, where individuals stayed with their companies through retirement. In other words, this group is very loyal (Raines, 2003).

Millennial prefers to be communicated through formal written communication. Remember, most of modern technology came into the work environment long after the traditionalists and the workers lived. Therefore, sending emails or text is not the most effective way to communicate with the group. However, there are quick to say they cannot learn computing. This group also happens to be the fastest growing group of Internet users. Also, ensure that written communication is easy to read large print.

Baby Boomers

The baby boomers are the rebel group. We have to thank this group for much of how the business is conducted today. Baby Boomers coined the phrase "payment of fees." They put their time with their companies to acquire a broad knowledge and now occupy the most senior positions. Understand that "Baby Boomers" have the need for respect for their years of experience and ...