The Generational Differences Between The 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).

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.

In this article, Prensky starts by stating obvious differences between this generation, and the ones that precede it. Today, "Digital Natives" or another popular term "Millennials" lives are proof of the impact of technology. They watch more TV, play more video games, and have mastered the art of multitasking constantly being surrounded by gizmos and gadgets. The author describes

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.

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

Generation X and Generation Y are more likely to research their physician, disorder, and medication. In earlier time, it used to be that what the doctor said was correct, and you had to do what they said. With having the internet and being able to communicate all over the world, people now question if their doctor has the best plan. Generation X and Generation Y are most known for this type of action. They are comfortable working with technology and finding a possible better solution to their health.

This generation is also referred to as Generation Y, Nexters, Echo boomers, and the “Me” generation as well who are well-educated, multitalented, open minded, confident, outgoing, and influential (Berkup, 2014). The focus on children is the highest with attention-giving parents involving their children in all kinds of multiple activities (Twenge & Campbell, 2012). Technology has had the biggest impact on this generation since they were children labeling them as the “digital natives” (Berkup, 2014; Twenge & Campbell, 2012). This high tech environment has allowing them to communicate globally utilizing e-mails, Facebook and text messaging rather than picking up the phone to talk (Stein, 2013; Twenge & Campbell, 2012). Because of the advancements of technology this generation has the most and is the most educated compared to the other generations. They welcome challenges, yearn to learn new ideas and do not hesitate to change their career to find their own sense if identity or feel fulfilled (Stein, 2013; Twenge & Campbell,

The growing workforce today is forever changing. The first generational age group of baby boomers are starting to retire from the workplace. With this they are taking years of knowledge and experience with them while the new generation “X” and generation “Y” are rapidly increasing in and becoming the next leaders.

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

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.

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