Currently, five generations make up our society. Depending on the specific workplace, the workforce includes four to five generations. The typical birth years for each generation are:
- Traditionalists or Silent Generation: Born 1945 and before
- Baby Boomers: Born 1946 – 1964
- Generation X: Born 1965 – 1976
- Millennials or Gen Y: Born 1977 – 1995
- Gen Z, iGen, or Centennials: Born 1996 – TBD
So how do these different generations react in the workplace? The following is from Visual Capitalist.
Communication
How people prefer to communicate is one major and obvious difference that manifests itself between generations.
While many in older generations have dabbled in new technologies and trends around communications, it’s less likely that they will internalize those methods as habits. Meanwhile, for younger folks, these newer methods (chat, texting, etc.) are what they grew up with.
Top three communication methods by generation:
- Baby Boomers:
40% of communication is in person, 35% by email, and 13% by phone - Gen X:
34% of communication is in person, 34% by email, and 13% by phone - Millennials:
33% of communication is by email, 31% is in person, and 12% by chat - Gen Z:
31% of communication is by chat, 26% is in person, and 16% by emails
Motivators
Meanwhile, the generations are divided on what motivates them in the workplace. Boomers place health insurance as an important decision factor, while younger groups view salary and pursuing a passion as being key elements to a successful career.
Three most important work motivators by generation (in order):
- Baby Boomers:
Health insurance, a boss worthy of respect, and salary - Gen X:
Salary, job security, and job challenges/excitement - Millennials:
Salary, job challenges/excitement, and ability to pursue passion - Gen Z:
Salary, ability to pursue passion, and job security
Loyalty
Finally, generational groups have varying perspectives on how long they would be willing to stay in any one role.
- Baby Boomers: 8 years
- Gen X: 7 years
- Millennials: 5 years
- Gen Z: 3 years
