Generational Differences: Generation X and Generation Y

Every generation is influenced by its period 's economic, political and social events. From the Great Depression to the civil rights and women 's movements to the advent of television and advanced computer technologies. Thus generational background/situation may also affect the way they work. The key is to be able to effectively address and take advantage of the differences in values and expectations of each generation in the workplace. The current work place consists of four different generations; The Baby Boomers (1946-1964) who are slowly retiring and existing the workforce, The Generation X (1965-1976), The Generation Y or millennia (1977-1997), and the Generation Z who are about to or are just entering the work force. Although these different generations tend to want similar things in a workplace their environment/background has shaped their character, values, and expectations (Hahn 2011).

The generation Y group was born between 1982 and 2000 (Huggins, 2008). This generation grew up with the internet, and relies heavily on instant communications through use of cell phones, text messages and social networking sites (Huggins, 2008). Their communication style is instant using technology all the time, and much less formal than previous generations.

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.

After reading the article by Farag, Tullai-McGuinesss, & Anthony (2009), I will reflect upon my experiences in a leadership role dealing with various different age groups through numerous situations. The discussion will include the generation I generally identify with, with whom I tend to work best with, and how this affects my unit. I will also reflect on the author's conclusions and recommendations and how they will likely affect my area of practice.

The workforce is seeing up to five generations working together for the first time in history. People are choosing to work longer and delay retirement. Ultimately, the workforce could experience up to six generations working together. It’s the role of business leaders to embrace diversity and guide their teams to cohesion. Generational gaps can pose challenges in the workplace, but understanding each generation 's unique characteristics and skills sets will assist in effectively managing diversity to keep a peaceful coexistence.

Who is Generation Y? According to business dictionary, Generation Y is the generation of people born during the 1980s and 1990s. Growing in an era where technology changes constantly has made Generation Y more technologically savvy and prone to using media in everyday life. It has also made some people not realize what it was like in the past because Generation Y has seen the technology grow so much in their lifetime. Generation Y has had access to growing and changing technology, such as the internet and video games. Harrison states that Generation Y have been immersed in and surrounded by technology, from television and playing Snake on a Nokia 3210 to World of Warcraft and iPhones there is no escape form electrical devices in the modern world. With all this new technology and video games at the tip of their fingers: How have video games affected Generation Y on a social and media point?

Generation Y are less brand loyal and the speed of the Internet has helped with the flexibility to change in its fashion, style consciousness and where and how it is communicated with. Lastly, Generation Y whichranges from 1995-2012. According to Generational Kinetics there are currently over 23 million Gen Z in the United States. Gen Z members are still largely kids and adolescents but have earlyindications of being increasingly self-aware, self-reliant, innovative and goal-oriented.One key difference from Millennials and Gen Z is that they don’t remember a time before social media. As a result, they tend to live much more of their entire lives from interacting with friends and family to making major purchases online and via their smartphones. Therefore, Gen Z kids will grow up with a highly sophisticated media and computer environment and will be more Internet savvy and expert than their Gen Y

Did you know that there is 80 million apart of Generation Y? That’s a lot, it is said that Generation Y is the “laziest generation ever”. Known as entitled, disrespectful and even “wimps” by many; some people have different opinions. Some people from this generation can be hard working, and not the stereotypical “teens these days”. Generation Y is known as the “laziest generation”, that results in making generalizations about the generation as a whole, but there are many exception.

There are currently six living generations in the United States, each with different characteristics, beliefs, and values. The things that define each generation’s culture are derived from their history, upbringing, and the lifestyle of their time. Our generation was born between 1980 and 2000. We are called Millennials. We grew up in a technologically savvy world and have a high demand for instant gratification. More specifically, we grew up in the South, which typically lends itself to being more conservative, based on a stricter religious upbringing. These characteristics, along with others, define who we are, what we believe, and how we view other generations.

Gen X, Baby boomers, and Gen Y are the different generations who work side by side in today’s workplace. According to Ann Hewlett, the President for Work-Life Policy Gen Y and Baby Boomers generations are a large chunk of the workforce, around eighty million each. Whatever those generations value, they have the power to drive to get the results (Hewlett, Sherbin & Sumberg, 2009). Baby boomers and Gen Y have similarities in what they value and there motivates them in the workspace. They tend to share some attitudes and behaviors. At work, Baby Boomers and Gen Y are motivated by not only money and making a pay package. They both desire a bunch of other stuff in life. Along with strong title, recognition, and respect. They are drawn to crave

From the beginning of my studies I wanted to help children and adolescents with their family issues. I came from a difficult childhood, and thought that this was my area of expertise. Thereafter, my feelings began to shift some recognizing that I too made many mistakes with my own children that I began to see that most of the home issues are born of generational situations that have evolved to present issues. Consequently, it created a desire and inclination to lead a family group. Probably the most difficult issues that a family group can present are the generational differences and establishing trust in the members. Having a son talk to his father in a group setting could be beneficial to their confrontation, rather than trying to deal with

Most people have a learning style that mirrors how they were taught when they were younger. It should be noted that there is not a one size fits all method when it comes to learning. The key to being able to appeal to each of the different generations is to offer diversity in teaching styles in order to satisfy the different preferences. As of now, there are four generations that are in the workforce and those four generations are: The Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, and the Millennials. This paper will examine the characteristics of these four generations, how their learning styles differ, and what to

When most people hear the label Generation –X they think of a hopeless generation of youth that have given into the pressures of the world. I would like you to think of the X as the Greek symbol for “Chi” which is used as a symbol for Christ. In this decade the youth involved in the Christianity has grown significantly. Youth are responding to the church in ways that the past generation did not. Where mom and dad embraced the tumultuous sixties their children have taken hold of Christianity. The youth organizations that promote the Protestant doctrine have seen the youth membership grow by 50% since 1990. Catholic Churches have witnessed their youth involvement double in the last decade. The youth are coming from all

GEN Y ( Also called as Millenials):Millennial have grown up with technology and are comfortable with change. They value skill development and enjoy the challenge of new opportunities. Millennial are able to multi task, they want the flexibility to work where and when they want so that they can pursue their outside interests.

How many times have you felt that your parents don't understand you, that they have no respect for you as an individual? How often do you shake your head in frustration and blame it on the 'generation gap'? Parents! They are like aliens from another planet altogether! You and they are in different camps; strangers forced to live under the same roof Right? Wrong! There is a way of bridging what appears to be a yawning chasm. If you genuinely want to improve your relationship with your parents (and give them a big shock in the bargain!) try listening to them, treating them just like you would listen to a valued friend. Instead of always whining, 'You don't understand me", stop and think. Do we ever try and understand