Managing Multiple Generations in Your Workplace

Managing Multiple Generations in Your Workplace Posted By:
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Nowadays it's common to see several generations working together in our clinical offices, with some people working into their late 60's and 70's. This creates a unique working environment. Multigenerational diversity among healthcare providers can result in improved patient care and sound decision making; varied attitudes, values, beliefs, work ethics, and expectations can present challenges. The table below depicts common characteristics and historical events that occurred amongst traditionalists, baby boomers, Generation X, Generation Y and Generation Z.

Traditionalists (Veterans) Baby Boomers Generation X Generation Y Generation Z
Year Born 1922-1946 1946-1964 1965-1980 1981-1997 1998-Present
Historical Events
  • Great Depression
  • World War II
  • Pearl Harbor
  • D-Day
  • Civil Rights Movement
  • Vietnam War
  • Cold War
  • Neil Armstrong landed on moon
  • First personal computers
  • Terrorism at the Munich Olympics
  • Jonestown mass suicide
  • Fall of Berlin Wall
  • AIDS
  • Challenger disaster
  • Gulf War
  • Oklahoma City Bombing
  • Columbine School mass murder
  • September 11 event
  • Iraq War
  • Virginia Tech shooting
  • Sandy Hook School mass murder
  • Ebola outbreak
  • Orlando Night Club mass murder
Common Characteristics
  • Loyal
  • Cautious
  • Formal
  • Proud
  • Optimistic
  • Self-focused
  • Competitive
  • Forever young
  • Independent
  • Skeptical
  • Tech pioneers
  • Self-expressive
  • Group-oriented
  • Global
  • Tech-dependent
  • Cautious
  • Technologically advanced
  • Entrepreneurial
  • Diverse

With the goal of effectively motivating and encouraging the five generations to work together, Crawford recommends the following tips:

  • Tip 1: Throw the stereotypes out the window
    • Evaluate each member based on their own merit
  • Tip 2: Don't assume everyone is on the same page
    • Everyone processes information differently; instead ensure instructions
      • Are clear and specific
      • Avoid trendy abbreviations or acronyms
      • List a deadline by date and time
      • Ensure everyone's role is clearly defined
  • Tip 3: Find common ground
    • Does the project address a common value important to all employees (family, personal fulfillment, etc)?
  • Tip 4: Play to their strengths
    • When pairing teams or assigning projects, assign them something that they will be good at collectively (eg, Generation X with a Baby Boomer)
Reference
  • Clark KR. Managing multiple generations in the workplace. Radiologic Technology, 88:379-397.
  • Crawford H. A guide to managing multiple generations in the workplace. US News and World Report. money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/articles/2018-05-01/a-guide-to-managing-multiple-generations-in-the-workplace. Accessed September 10, 2019.
  • Pollak L. What are the different generations in the workplace? Your definitive guide. www.lindseypollak.com/different-generations-workplace-definitive- guide/. Accessed September 10, 2019.

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