IN A FOUR-GENERATION WORKPLACE Creating Synergy IN A FOUR-GENERATION WORKPLACE Doug Johnson BUSN 6100 - Competitive Advantage Through Human Resource Development Final

Four Generations Traditionalists Baby Boomers Generation X Millennials All in the same work environment!

Can’t we all just get along With four generations in the workplace companies will need to understand how each one communicates, responds and produces in order to function well. Approach: “Not wrong…just different” (Eggerich, 2004) Case Study – Green Globe Project Team New wing in the Children’s Museum Ideas from each generation bring about perspective for the whole.

Descriptions are accurate (Hamill, 2005)

Bridging the Gap at Work “There is a serious new problem in the workplace, and it has nothing to do with downsizing, global competition, pointy-haired bosses, stress or greed. Instead, it is the problem of distinct generations — the Veterans, the Baby Boomers, Gen X and Gen Y — working together and often colliding as their paths cross” (Hammill, 2005). Imagine all four generations working together! It would be like what happens all over homes during the holidays when you bring great- grandparents, grandparents, parents, kids together. It’s not always without conflict Now imagine a working environment every day. Each generations brings with them values, communication styles, and expectations.

Structuring Communication Communicating cross-generationally will involve many different strategies to make sure everyone stays connecting to the information needed. (Hammill, 2005)

Generation x My Prediction of the Green Globe Team: Length of work shift and days worked per week Flextime options Job-share options It will need to be balanced. GenX wants to have options. They are not living to work but working to live.

Generation X My Prediction of the Green Globe Team: Frequency and form of team meetings Preferred leadership style of team leader Meaningful rewards and bonus structure Their preference is to work independently and not be micromanaged by leadership. Meetings will need to be direct and often. Time off is the best reward.

Generation X My Prediction of the Green Globe Team: Strategies used to motivate workers Work/Life balance considerations GenX is motivated by freedom. They don’t like to be constricted by rules. Balance in their work and everyday life is key. More so than any other generation.

Succession Planning for Gen-x Competencies Knowledge Management/transfer Management mobility Mentoring Recruitment and selection Employee retention Retiree resources Staff Development

References BWI Operations Training. (2014, September 24). Generation Xer's; Generations Training [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpSDocQs6Vk Colligan, K. (2013, October 28). Managing Generation Xers in the Multi-Generation Workplace. Retrieved from http://www.peoplethink.biz/managing-generation-xers-in-the-multi-generation- workplace-2/ Eggerichs, E. (2004). Love & respect: The love she most desires, the respect he desperately needs. Nashville, TN: Integrity Publishers. Generational Differences Chart. (n.d.). Retrieved from www.wmfc.org/uploads/GenerationalDifferencesChart.pdf Hammill, G. (2005). Mixing and Managing Four Generations of Employees. Retrieved from http://www.fdu.edu/newspubs/magazine/05ws/generations.htm Hartley, D. (2014, July 11). What About Gen X? Empower the Ignored Generation in the Workplace. Retrieved from http://thehiringsite.careerbuilder.com/2014/07/11/empower-gen-x-workplace/ Rizzo, R. (2009). Creating Synergy in a Four-Generation Workplace. Retrieved from https://sakai.lampschools.org/portal/site/JU_BUSN6100_10_15F1/page/f94616b8-1a73-4ce2-9ea6- 2c8b39fc3f41 Sladdick, K. (2012). Leading 4 Generations. Retrieved from http://www.organize4results.com/wp- content/.../Leading4Generations-preview.pdf Wloczewski, C. (2014, April 14). Leadership in the Multi-Generational Workplace. Retrieved from http://www.cellaconsulting.com/blog/leadership-in-the-multi-generational-workplace/