Going with the Flow

Stats vary, but as much as a third of the workforce appears to consist of baby boomers, tens of millions of whom will retire by 2010. And although boomers are still making up their minds about what exactly that retirement will look like, the trend is to continue working in some capacity or another. With Gen X and Y nipping at their heels, the workplace is becoming increasingly multi-generational, and the trick is to discover way to increase compatibility. In an excellent article at careermag.com, the generations are compared according to values, as a way to discover similarities and differences. For the most part, boomers have always had a strong work ethic, and are motivated by being recognized for that and for their commitment, loyalty and team work. Gen X, on the other hand, tends more towards entrepreneurial and independent work styles, can work in isolation quite well and is comfortable communicating electronically, not requiring the face-to-face interaction that boomers prefer. Not as apt to stay with an employer who doesn't challenge them, Gen Xers don't have the same company loyalty as boomers.

Gen Y, those born between 1980 and 2000 bring another set of values to the table. The children of boomers and siblings of Gen Xers, these youngsters are competitive due to being goal and achievement oriented and want to be recognized for their ideas. The world as they know it is highly diverse, and they are most motivated by managers with integrity and quality.

This is a subject that truly fascinates me and I'll be returning to it again.