FEATURE
Managing Four Generations in the Workplace
By Tonya Lanthier
Originally published in Off The Cusp, a blog by Patterson Dental. Reprinted with permission.
W
e have four generations in the workplace today! Dentists have never before had to manage such a diverse set of beliefs, values and communication styles all at once. But if we take steps to bridge the gaps, we can leverage the best attributes of every generation: loyalty, innovation, passion, professionalism, and strong work ethic to cultivate a workplace super-culture.
Attributes: • Seek work/life balance • Independent • Creative and problem solving, especially with few resources • Don’t like being micromanaged
The time period we are born in affects so much of our outlook, mindset, and beliefs as we develop in the context of events around us. Each generation is affected by things like the state of the economy, whether it’s a time of war or peace and advancements in technology. And the generation raising us imposes their belief systems and what they would like to change. When we understand a person’s wants, needs, and where they come from, we understand more of what drives them, both personally and professionally, so we can better manage these incredibly diverse teams!
Millennials or Gen Y (75 million born between 1981-1996)
Here’s a look at how today’s generations break down contextually.
• Desire transparent relationships with managers
Baby Boomers (80 million born between 1946-1964) Baby boomers are the longest-working group in the workplace, often staying in the same company, in several different roles, for as long as possible. They don’t aspire to retire as early as their parents and will likely outlive them by 10 to 25 years. They know the benefits of staying active in later years. Attributes: • Productive and hard-working in the workplace – willing to put in long hours • Very loyal to their companies • Make long-term commitments • Adept at breaking down large projects and delegating appropriately • Communicate in a direct and professional manner – preferably in-person
Generation X (60 million born between 1965-1980) Also known as the “Sandwich Generation,” Gen X’ers make up one third of the workforce and tend to be the “meat” of the operations while also holding the most leadership positions. They don’t complain much and are good at figuring things out on their own with little support. In a rapidly-changing digital economy, managers find their innovation and resourcefulness indispensable.
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Millennials have gotten a bad rap, but don’t be fooled. They are the purposeseekers and dreamers who want their life to be about more than just money. Attributes: • Follow their own set of rules • Love collaborating • Prefer digital communication, except in critical conversations • Goal-oriented • Great multi-taskers • Technology attitude: “there’s an app for that!”
Generation Z (65 million between 1997-2015) Don’t be fooled by the fact that this generation was pretty much born with a phone in their hand. They are #woke and have #goals. They are more like The Silent Generation: more practical and frugal and appreciate security more than previous generations. Attributes: • Motivated by money (grew up in 2008 recession) • See the world through Instagram influencers who made money on fame • Greater purpose than salary, even more so than Millennials • Willing to work hard • “Show Me” generation: love step-by-step instructions and teach themselves how to do things via YouTube and Instagram
