Generational differences in organizations is an ongoing challenge… and an opportunity! Stereotypes claim that “baby boomers” are stuck in their ways, and refuse change, while the “Generation Y’s” are lazy and don’t understand what hard work really is. Despite differences in each generational cohort they share a common need to be treated with dignity and respect and can tap into the power within to inspire, teach and learn from one another to come together to create a place where people want to work!

I am labelled as a “Generation Y”… I have days that I’m lazy… days that I do not want to go to work… but I can honestly say that I have never been more determined to succeed. Technology has single handily given me the ability to connect faster, work less, and enjoy life! I look at my parents, who are labelled “Baby Boomers”… their upbringing was completely different. They didn’t have the internet to job hunt, connect with prospects or have their life observed through social media. Each generation was raised differently, not harder or better… just different.

Two of our best speakers, Barb Fry & Hannah Ubl are experts on organizational generations. Barb does a wonderful job of teaching forces that help shape the general characteristics of each generation, their values, and expectations at work and how these impact the quality of work. Hannah Ubl states: four distinct generations are working together shoulder to shoulder, each with a unique set of attitudes, values and work styles. It used to be that older workers were bosses and younger ones took orders. Now, roles are all over the board and rules are being rewritten. And there are lots of positive outcomes as a result!

Here’s a recent article to keep us on our toes when we read about generation classifications… up next- Gen Z!