Generation Gap: Approach Of Different Generations At Work

Generation gap

Do You Know What The Generation Gap Is?

Generation Gap refers to the difference between the thoughts and feelings expressed by people of two different generations. More specifically, a generation gap can be stated as differences in actions, beliefs, politics, cultures, and tastes exhibited by individuals of younger ages versus older ones.

It usually causes conflict between people by complicating communication and creating a gap.

Generation Gap includes: Baby Boomer (1946-1964), Generation X (1965-1976), Generation Y (1977-1990), and Millennials (born since 1991) 

Open communication between the different generations helps to bridge this gap. This helps each generation recognize the strengths, qualities, and skills of another and create more cohesiveness.

Baby Boomers grew using telephones, typewriters, and sending letters by post. So they prefer a phone conversation or face to face communication. They often struggle to adopt modern technology.

Gen X is familiar with technology and has adapted it pretty well.

Gen Y and Millennials grew up with advanced technology such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets. They are always online and sharing information and data through a social media platform.

Causes Of The Generation Gap

The gap between two people or generations can be due to any reason, but some significant causes of the generation gap are:

  • Different moral values in the past and present time.
  • Respect and treatment for others change over the period. Older people had a different level of respect for others, while youngsters have different.
  • Work ethics change with generation. Sometimes the thing that is matters more for older generations does not matter for the younger ones. 
  • Religious believes got affected by the generation gap. Older people were more religious as compared to the present age.
  • Older people were not adopted to work with people of different races, while the current generation does not care about team members’ race and colour.

Why Is It Essential To Understand The Generation Gap?

As older individuals leave the work environment, there are insufficient Gen X to fill the need. Gen Y and Millennials are flooding the work environment; however, they still need to learn skills and gain new experience. 

Young supervisors are working with older representatives and older managers with youthful workers. So, a wide gap exists in terms of values, lifestyles, ways of communication, technology knowledge, and working attitude.

Different Feedback Expectations

Gen X- hope for recognization as yearly increases in salary, advancements, and titles. Subsequent ages require steady, predictable input to ensure they are on track with their objectives. Gen Y was raised with acclaim, elevated requirements, acknowledge immediate feedback and rewards. 

Millennials need to be treated as esteemed representatives and updated about what is happening in an organization. Try not to keep them out of the loop, deny them applicable data, or lose inspiration and leave. Furthermore, they need to accomplish meaningful Work with a reason and help to change the world.

Different Ways To Resolve Conflict

Baby Boomers want the agreement of the team. Gen X wants to resolve the dispute quickly and address issues directly. 

Gen Y has often been taught conflict resolution skills during their school years that they can use. Also, they try to understand the reasons for misunderstandings before they take any step.

Millennials are not that acceptable at dealing with conflict, and they often need instruction.

Different Understanding Of Work/Life Balance

Baby Boomers often work very hard to accomplish their desires, achieve expectations and adapt their personal lives to fit expectations. This causes conflict because they hope the younger generations to have the same work ethic.

Gen X likes the challenge of Work, but they need equalization in their personal lives. Gen Y and Millennials focus on their careers, but they need to encounter their work satisfaction. They also appreciate the flexibility that technology gives them and need to have the option to utilize this to improve their work/life balance. 

They prefer to design their work schedule and not to waste too much time commuting.  Hence, working in flexible jobs gives them a chance to be more productive, develop their skills, work from anywhere, and make time for other opportunities.

Millennials think differently about Work. They do not like staying with a company for more than two years. Due to this, they are very excited about career opportunities and will quickly move on if they get a chance. 

How Do Different Generations Respond To Work?

Different generations respond differently at the workplace, 

Baby Boomers

  • Work best in teams or groups
  • Value meetings
  • Like when being asked for direction
  • Believe in hard work and paying their obligations
  • Often prioritize their work schedule over everything else
  • Gain self-worth from their Work.

Gen X

  • Resilient
  • Adaptable, free, and independent 
  • Like working on their own without any interference

Gen Y

  • Enjoy challenges 
  • Savvy and street smart
  • Like an organized working environment
  • Respect achievements overpower
  • Want to accomplish their own goals

Millennials

Are you curious to know more about the generation gap? Meet Us here

Want to know about our Indo-Canadian trainer and us? Click Here.

Leave a Reply