For the first time in history, there are more Millennials than Baby Boomers in the workplace.
To effectively work together, it’s important that each generation understands the others. To do so, the Morgan Hunter team got together to discuss the values, desires, and motivations of each generation. Here’s what we discovered:
Identifying the Generations
Baby Boomer | Generation X | Millennial |
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Work Ethic
Asked to describe their work ethic, here’s what each generation had to say about themselves:
Baby Boomer | Generation X | Millennial |
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Leadership Preferences
We asked everyone to describe how to best lead their generation:
Baby Boomer | Generation X | Millennial |
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What motivates you? What makes you like to come to work?
Baby Boomer | Generation X | Millennial |
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What do you appreciate about the other two generations?
Baby Boomer | Generation X | Millennial |
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What are the dos and don’ts of selling to your generation?
Baby Boomer | Generation X | Millennial |
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Do:
Don’t:
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Do:
Don’t:
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Do:
Don’t:
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Keys to working with each generation
Baby Boomers
They’ve been around the block and want others in the workplace to value their knowledge. They want work that matters — for many, their work defines who they are. To get along with Baby Boomers, you need to respect their seniority in the workplace and value the knowledge they’ve gained through decades in the workforce.
Generation X
They want independence in the workplace. While they work hard, they value time with their family just as much (maybe even more). To get along with Generation X, you need to offer them a good work/life balance and ensure you are leading by example.
Millennials
They value autonomy at work, but also like to collaborate in small teams. While they are the youngest in the workplace, they expect to be treated with the same respect as older generations. They are willing to work hard, but want to know that their work has a purpose. To get along with the Millennial generation, give them flexibility (like the opportunity to work remotely) and ensure that they work with the latest technology.
About Morgan Hunter
For 30 years, Morgan Hunter has helped connect talented professionals with career opportunities in the Kansas City area. If you’re looking for a new job, check out our latest job openings or contact a recruiter to talk about your job search. If you’re an employer, view our staffing services or contact a recruiter about our staffing solutions today!