Four Generations Classroom Analysis

In modern workplace, there are four different generations in total. According to Kapoor and Solomon (2011) there are four different generations in contemporary workplace now: Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y (also known as Millennials). Traditionalists were generally given birth between 1925 and 1945, majority of Traditionalists experienced

Horwath Porter Wigglesworth Limited (2005). Special issue – managing multiple generations in the workplace. The Pinnacle, pp. 1-4. Retrieved June27, 2006, from www4.nau.edu/spac/conference2006/ Generations_Workplace.pdf

Every work environment is teeming with people from various generations. Though, the majority of people wish for a healthy work environment this is not the easiest to come by. People from these different generations have different ways of looking at the world. They were raised differently and though theoretically want the same things they want to reach these goals in different ways. Rising to leadership, the understanding of technology, adapting in the workplace, and communication are the four criteria you need to know to understand how the people of Generation X and Millennials function together in the workplace.

It’s the first time in American history that five generations are sharing the workplace, from Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, the Millennials or Generation Y, and the new unnamed generation. With five generations come five sets of ideas, how to conduct one’s self, approach activities, values and motivators. Different beliefs, understandings, and undertakings create misinterpretations and frustrations. The fire service is currently facing a similar situation. It’s imperative to recognize and understand these differences to avoid misunderstandings and to help your department work effectively to meet its goals. Not every employee displays aspect of their generation category, but understanding the individualities of each generation will help with teamwork, supervision, embracing change, and productivity. With each generation there are different communication styles and driving factors that motivate production. It is essential that you understand how each generation communicates and what they motivators are so that you can communicate ideas and organization vision to them. What can we do in the fire service to prepare to handle these challenges?

Makrovich (2013) in a study of stereotypes work in both generations are depending on the nature of the generation. Furthermore, the generation X should appreciate and be ready to adapt to the way work ethic generation Y. The difference between the two generations will maintain loyalty to the leadership of senior generation trends. Enticement, pleasure seeking, self direction and task-oriented are the dominant trait on generation X working stereotype. This is where they are more on task-oriented, independent and also more on self-reliant in their working ethics in the workplace. Generation X at workplace was this generation are easier to adapt and also have high expectation in the workplace. Generation X by virtue can developed living skills

The current generations in the workplace today are Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. Each generation brings their own values and mindsets to the mix. Although genetics play a part in a person’s characteristics, the generation in which someone is born into also plays an integral part in shaping their mind, values, goals, and work ethics. People from the same generation share similar experiences, and this can influence how they think politically and socially.

Today, the workforce is made up of many different generations, which is affecting and effectively changing the workplace culture as a whole. The major generational differences between millennials and baby boomers can be either positive or negative depending on whom you ask. Boomers may categorize millennials as lazy and entitled, while millennials may call themselves innovative. No matter what they call themselves or each other, they all have to work together now as simply as that. This topic has sparked a lot of discussion as to how it’s best for each generation to act and deal with their other generational coworkers.

Upon reflecting on the three main generations that comprise the workplace today, a few differences emerge. “Baby Boomers” grew up in a time when movements were prominent, the Vietnam War occurred, key figures were assassinated, the Watergate Scandal occurred, and television was introduced (Twenge et al., 2010; Schullery, 2013). Overall, “Baby Boomers” seem to exhibit a distrust of authority, value hard work, and want to enjoy their achievements (Robbins & Judge, 2015; Twenge et al., 2010). As such, they are results driven and give their utmost effort (Robbins & Judge, 2015). “Generation X” grew up in a time of computers, divorce, two career parents, MTV, and economic uncertainty (Twenge et al., 2010; Robbins & Judge, 2015). For the most part, they seem to exhibit the workplace behaviors of independence and a lack of commitment to employers (Twenge et al., 2010). They value a balance between work and life and place more focus on extrinsic rewards such as monetary compensation (Twenge et al., 2010). “Millennials” grew up in prosperous times with technology dominating the era and over-protective parents (Robbins & Judge, 2015; Schullery, 2013). Generally, they seem to place a greater value on employee benefits, leisure time, teamwork, and open communication (Society of Human Resource Management, 2004; Twenge, 2010; Myers & Sadaghiani, 2010). In addition, they have also been given the labels of “self-centered” and “entitled” (Myers & Sadaghiani, 2010).

This mixture of generations creates many issues in the modern workforce, as many differences in culture, norms, behaviors, values and perceptions of the workplace exist across these generations. Also, for perhaps the first time in history, four distinct generations are working alongside each other in the business world. As noted by Sam in his email, the coexistence of different generations can have many influences on the workplace. One of the biggest influences is the different attitude and acceptance of technology, as the millennial generation was the first one to

I believe that all four of the generations in the work place can work together without having any conflicts. Many professional facilities and companies have people of different age groups working together in the same field. There are many articles written by different people who say that studies show that there are many conflicts between the generations, while working together. The four different types of generations are the veterans, the baby boomers, the generation X, and the generation Y. I will talk of all their important characteristics and compare and contrast their qualities based on work ethics, education, and multi-tasking.

Over the next decade, it will be a challenge for employers to attract, keep, and develop a skilled work force for numerous different reasons ranging from the evolution of technology to fewer foreign students coming to America for work. Adding to the problem, companies are finding themselves managing four generations of workers. Based on their generation’s life experiences, each group has its own diverse characteristics, standards, and attitudes towards work. The four generations are as follows: Silents (1925-1946), Baby Boomers (1946-1964), Generation Xers (1965-1980), Generation Ys or Millennials (born after 1980). It is up to management to relate and motivate employees of different age groups. The purpose of this paper is to inform readers

This is the first time in American history where we have four generations in the workplace at the same time? While it is a good problem to have, this situation creates some diversity issues because of generation gaps and stereotypes. As stated by Diana Rigg, “Maybe at this stage in my career, it’s from that younger generation that I have most to learn.” If the older generations and the younger generations took this approach, the workplace would be a more inclusive and efficient place. In learning about the four generations, we can break through the stereotypes created by history and generational misunderstandings to highly functioning teams. As we discuss each

For decades there has been extensive research on generations to better understand characteristics such as personalities, motivations, and work ethics to help current and future employers better understand how to engage targeted demographics. As a result, in recent years there has been a lot of dialogue around Generations X and Y as employers have tried to understand what attracts, retains, and engages these individuals in the workplace. It’s evident that not understanding and respecting these differences can lead to misunderstanding, miscommunications, mixed signals, and possibly the loss of talent within an organization. Over the next couple of paragraphs I will elaborate on each generation and highlight their values as it is important to

Although today's family have changed, the workplace has not-and the resulting one-size-fits-all workplace has become profoundly mismatched to the needs of an increasingly diverse and varied workforce (Christensen & Schneider, 2010). Blending the ages in the workplace has its preferences and its challenges, as every era has its own particular qualities, and abilities they convey to the work environment. Generational contrasts, influences how individuals convey, with various

This is the first time in American history where four generations are in the workplace at the same time. While it is a good problem to have, this situation creates some issues because of generation gaps and stereotypes. As stated by Diana Rigg, “Maybe at this stage in my career, it’s from that younger generation that I have the most to learn.” If the older generations and the younger generations took this open approach, the workplace would be a more inclusive place because all employees would be open to learning from each other. By understanding the generational differences, employees can break through the stereotypes created by misunderstandings to become highly functioning organizations. In looking at the similarities and differences among the four generations working today, it has been discovered that these are the same items that bridge the gap to a better understanding. Diverse, cross-generational teams are both beneficial and necessary for organizations to create highly effective and creative teams. In addition, this type of inclusion has the ability to empower employees, and the company will reap the benefits in happier clients and increased profits.