For the first time in the nation's history, four generations are working side by side in the workplace. As professionals work beyond retirement age, many companies are trying to balance a generation gap of more than 50 years between the oldest and youngest employees. Although there is no consensus of the exact birth dates that define each generation, they are generally broken into four distinct groups:

 

The Traditionalists - Born between 1927 and 1945

The Baby Boomers - Born between 1946 and 1964

Generation X - Born between 1965 and the early 1980s

Generation Y - Born in 1980 or later

 

The diverse perspectives, motivations, attitudes and needs of these four generations have changed the dynamics of the workforce. A little insight into the differences among the generations can help you better understand the needs and expectations of your colleagues in an age-diverse workforce. By learning the motivations and generational footprint of each segment, you can leverage your talents and capitalize on the diversity of your employees.

The Traditionalists
Born between 1927 and 1945, Traditionalists (also known as the Silent Generation) in the workplace today are in their 60s, 70s and 80s. About 95% of Traditionalists are retired from the workforce. Those who are not retired are at or near retirement age and many are working reduced hours. On the job, Traditionalists are hardworking and loyal. Raised during the Depression, Traditionalists cherish their jobs and are hard workers. Many Traditionalists have worked for only one employer their entire work life and are extremely loyal to coworkers and employers. Traditionalists are great team players and get along well with others in the workplace.

Traditionalists differ from younger generations in how they process and respond to information. They are less tech-savvy than younger generations and prefer in-person interaction to e-mails and technological gadgets. Therefore, the best way to engage this generation is through face-to-face interaction.

Unlike younger generations, Traditionalists are comfortable sitting in long lectures and meetings are less inclined to incorporate video-conferencing and web-based technology into the workplace.

Baby Boomers
Born between 1946 and 1964, the Baby Boomer generation is predominately in their 40s and 50s. They are well-established in their careers and hold positions of power and authority. This generational segment constitutes a large majority of today's leaders, corporate executives, and senior management.

 

Members of the Post-War War II generation, Baby Boomers are loyal, work-centric and cynical. This generation has lived through many changes and brings a different perspective to the workplace.

Baby Boomers often equate salaries and long hours with success and commitment to the workplace. They value face time in the office and may not welcome work flexibility or work/life balance trends. High levels of responsibility, perks, praise and challenges will motivate this generation. 

Generation X
Generation X encompasses the 44 to 50 million Americans born between 1965 and 1980. This generation marks the period of birth decline after the baby boom and is significantly smaller than the previous and succeeding generations. Members of Generation X are largely in their 30's and early 40's and hold mid-level management and mid-level support staff positions as well as supervisory positions.

 
After witnessing the burnout or layoff of their hardworking parents, Generation X entered the workplace with different work ethic and culture than previous generations. Unlike the Boomers, Generation X places a premium on family time and has a different attitude about work. They are ambitious and hardworking but value work/life balance.
In the workplace, Generation X dislikes rigid work requirements. They value the freedom to set their own hours. Flexible work schedules and work-from-home options may help to retain and motivate this generation.

Generation X has an entrepreneurial spirit. This generation thrives on diversity, challenge, responsibility and creative input. If their current job does not provide them with these opportunities, they will not hesitate to seek an employer who will.

A hands-off attitude often works best when supervising, mentoring or working with this generation. Members of Generation X value freedom and autonomy to achieve desired goals and often prefer to work alone rather than in teams. They dislike "meetings about meetings" and don't want face time. Flexible hours and challenging assignments will motivate this generation.

Generation Y
Generation Y professionals are in their 20s and are just entering the workforce. With numbers estimated as high as 70 million, Generation Y (also known as the Millennials) is the fastest growing segment of today's workforce. As businesses compete for available talent, employers cannot ignore the needs, desires and attitudes of this vast generation.

This new generation holds entry level and support positions in law firms, large corporations, the government and other environments.

 
Generation Y is smart, creative, optimistic, achievement-oriented and tech-savvy. This young generation seeks out creative challenges, personal growth and meaningful careers. They seek supervisors and mentors who are highly engaged in their professional development.
Generation Y are excellent multi-taskers and prefer communications through e-mail and text messaging over face-to-face interaction. Their attitude is "don't waste my time making me come to your office." They would rather send an e-mail so they can be drafting a memo, researching and answering e-mail at the same time. Cybertraining and lectures through web-based delivery systems may be more effective than traditional lectures.

As Generation Y demands work/life balance at work, employers will need to accommodate them by creating a culture of flexibility. E-mail, laptops, Blackberrys, and other technology tools will help Generation Y work remotely and remain connected 24/7.

When working with or supervising Generation Y, it's wise to impose structure and stability and cultivate a team-oriented environment. Immediate feedback and praise will help motivate and reassure this young generation. Frequent communication and reassurance will help keep members of Generation Y eager and involved.