A generation is a group defined by age boundaries. They have:
Shared experiences growing up
Similar workplace values and attitudes
GENERATION BORN CURRENT AGE DEFINING ERA
Matures (Radio Babies) 1920-40 70-90 The Depression/WW2
Boomers 1940-60 50-70 Prosperity/Upheaval
Generation X 1960-80 30-50 Technology
Millennials (Gen Y) 1980-2000 <30 Communication
CORE VALUES
MATURES (aka: Radio Babies, The Greatest Generation) 5% of WORKFORCE
Influenced by family and religion Sacrifice for the common good Education is a dream
Leisure a reward for hard work Conformity Law and order
Respect for authority Delayed reward Adherence to rules
Structure Loyalty Duty before pleasure
BOOMERS 45% of WORKFORCE
Focus on individual, not company Personal gratification Education a birthright
Health and wellness Permissive Good self-esteem
Question authority-challenge leaders Rock and Roll –expression of identity Ideologues
Opened dialogue-end-of-life issues Value Youthfulness Team Oriented
GENERATION X 40% of WORKFORCE
Diversity-Accepting of various lifestyles Sexual freedom Tech savvy
Women’s movement Global thinking Work/Life Balance
Downsizing affected loyalty Work to live Informality
Self-reliance Questions organized religion Ignores leadership
MILLIENNIALS (aka: Generation Y) 10% of WORKFORCE
Techno communication Leisure interwoven with work Flexible
Optimism Contact with boss Casual work dress
Civic duty Morality Confident
Street smart Accepts diversity Peer oriented
Sources: Zemke, Ron, Claire Raines and Bob Filipczak (1999) “Generations at Work”
Raines, Claire (2002) “Meet the Generations”
Notter, Jaime (2003) “Generational Diversity in the Workplace”
Wikipedia (2009) Generational Definitions
