GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES IN THE WORKPLACE MEGHAN M. DUNN, M.P.A. EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT SAVANNAH AIRPORT COMMISSION

In today’s workplace, an unprecedented four generations work side by side. While this blend of generations adds valuable diversity to the workforce, it also adds complexity.

Which Generation Are You?

Traditionalists EACH GENERATION HAS DIFFERENT CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS, GOALS, LIFE INFLUENCES AND BEHAVIORS. The Great Depression 1930’s Walt Disney Company 1920’s World War II 1940’s

Baby Boomers EACH GENERATION HAS DIFFERENT CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS, GOALS, LIFE INFLUENCES AND BEHAVIORS. Jackie Robinson 1940’s Women’s Rights 1950’s Civil Rights Movement 1960’s John F. Kennedy/ TV Debate

Generation X EACH GENERATION HAS DIFFERENT CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS, GOALS, LIFE INFLUENCES AND BEHAVIORS. Microsoft/ Bill Gates 1970’s-1980’s Vietnam War 1970’’s CNN 1980’’s

Millennials/Generation Y EACH GENERATION HAS DIFFERENT CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS, GOALS, LIFE INFLUENCES AND BEHAVIORS. Syndicated Talk Shows 1980’s-1990’s 9/11/ ’s Video Games 1990’s1990’s-2000’s The Apple Age

FOUR GENERATIONS IN ONE ORGANIZATION SHOULD FOUR GENERATIONS IN ONE ORGANIZATION AS A MANAGER YOU SHOULD KNOW WHAT ARE THE DEMOGRAPHICS, WITHOUT PIGEONHOLING. HOW TO BRIDGE THE GENERATIONS TOGETHER. WHAT MOTIVATES EACH GENERATION.

CHARACTERISTICS OF GENERATIONS AT WORK CAN YOU IDENTIFY THE GENERATION? Motto: “Me Generation” Work Is: An Exciting Adventure Work Ethics & Values: Workaholics Work Efficiently Desire Quality Question Authority Attire: Business Motto: “Save for Rainy Day” Work Is: An Obligation Work Ethics & Values: Hard Work Respect Authority Duty Before Fun Adhere to Rules Attire: Formal

CHARACTERISTICS OF GENERATIONS AT WORK CAN YOU IDENTIFY THE GENERATION? Motto: “Be Like Mike” Work Is: A Contract/Difficult Challenge Work Ethics & Values: Eliminate the Task Self Reliance Want Structure and Direction Skeptical Attire: Business Casual Motto: “Take the Ball & Run With It” Work Is: A Means to an End/Fulfillment Work Ethics & Values: Multitaskers Tenacity Entrepreneurial Goal Oriented Attire: Whatever Feels Comfortable

Traditionalists Bridging Basics:  Value Their Experience.  Appreciate Their Dedication. Recognition:  Reward service & loyalty with plaques. Personal Motivators:  Want their actions to connect with the good of the company.  Sense of Self-Worth.  Build a perfect personal legacy. TIPS FOR BRIDGING THE GENERATIONAL GAP WITH YOUR EMPLOYEES/CO-WORKERS Baby Boomers Bridging Basics:  Show Respect.  Choose Face to Face Conversations.  Give Them Your Full Attention. Recognition:  Reward to promote & recognize performance. Personal Motivators:  Need to see how their actions make a difference.  Sense of achievement.  Increased Salary  Build a Perfect Career.

TIPS FOR BRIDGING THE GENERATIONAL GAP WITH YOUR EMPLOYEES/CO-WORKERS Generation X Bridging Basics:  Get to the Point.  Don’t Micromanage them, although they will try to micromanage you! Recognition:  Rewards to recognize personal needs & goals. Personal Motivators:  Need Flexibility to Get the Job Done on Their Schedule.  Sense of Security.  Work to Live.  Build a Transferable Career. Millennials Bridging Basics:  Challenge Them.  Ask Their Opinion.  Provide Timely Feedback. Recognition:  Rewards equal tangible evidence of credibility. Personal Motivators:  Connect Responsibility with Personal Goals.  Sense of Greater Good.  Personal Relationships  Build parallel careers.

GENERATION Y REALLY IS DIFFERENT. In her book, Knowing Y: Engage the Next Generation Now, marketing and media expert Sarah Sladek explains, “This tech-savvy, globally minded generation isn’t joining, buying, networking, learning or engaging like other generations.” Here are some stats that help explain what makes the members of Generation Y tick: 92 percent believe that business success should be measured by more than profit. 80 percent prefer on-the-spot recognition over formal reviews. 61 percent feel personally responsible to make a difference in the world. 50 percent want to start their own business, or have already done so. 2 years is their average employment tenure. -11 Things You Should Know About Generation Y, Inc. Magazine By: Peter Economy Published: Jan 10, 2015

UNDERSTANDING THE MILLENNIALS/GENERATION Y Is this bid for attention, lack of know how? 1. Constant Need for Feedback.- Is this bid for attention, lack of know how? Is this a sense of entitlement, expectation of fast promotion, unwillingly to pay their dues? 2. Confident In Our Abilities, Especially Regarding Technology.- Is this a sense of entitlement, expectation of fast promotion, unwillingly to pay their dues? Is this a sign of disrespect? Unwillingness to show deference to authority? 3. Crave Immediate Gratification.- Is this a sign of disrespect? Unwillingness to show deference to authority? Is this a sign of a short attention span? Unwillingness to put in the hours? 4. Not Interested in Working Traditional Hours (9-5).- Is this a sign of a short attention span? Unwillingness to put in the hours?.- Is this a sign of being coddled? Unable to make decisions or work alone? 5. Overly Connected to Our Parents.- Is this a sign of being coddled? Unable to make decisions or work alone? Is this a sign of narcissism? Self Obsessed? 6. Self-Promotional.- Is this a sign of narcissism? Self Obsessed? Is this a sign of disloyalty? The inability to stick 7. Job Hoppers.- Is this a sign of disloyalty? The inability to stick to one thing?

Before you talk, listen Before you react, think Before you criticize, wait Before you quit, try Questions?