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The Multi-Generational Workplace

In: Business and Management

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The Multi-Generational Workplace
Dawn Butler
Org 415 - Summary Paper
September 17, 2011

Today’s workplace is more diverse than that of any other time in history. With four different generations actively in the workplace, the way people work together is more important than ever, as is the role of today’s manager. Many organizations have a wide range of employees within several different age groups, each with different work ethics and all must be managed in various ways. Today’s problem in the workplace is no longer the effects of downsizing, competition, stress or greed but rather the four generations of people working together and often colliding. (Hammill, 2005) These four generations; the Veterans, the Baby Boomers, Gen X and Gen Y, make up today’s workforce and each bring different values, ideas, communication styles and ways of getting things done to their organization. (Hammill, 2005) This is the first time in American history that we have had a wide range of ages in the workplace. With such an assorted group of people working together, the traditional roles in the workplace have changed. “There were definite rules as to how the boss was treated and how younger workers treated older workers. No longer: Roles today are all over the place and the rules are being rewritten daily.” (Hammill, 2005, p.1) First, it is important to identify the different generations and who make them up. The Veterans were born between 1922-1945. This group is characterized as hard workers that respect authority and look at work as an obligation. (Hammill, 2005) The Veterans are the most directive of all four groups and adhere to a “no nonsense policy”. The Baby Boomers born between 1946-1964 tend to be workaholics that work with their peers in making decisions. (Hammill, 2005) Generation X, born between 1965-1980, tend to seek out

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