Dalinda Gonzalez-Alcantar
Have you ever thought about generational diversity in the workplace and how each generation’s experiences can impact company morale, culture, and even productivity? Well, according to author Tim Elmore you should!
Generational diversity is all about differences in values, attitudes, and work styles that exist between people of different age groups and, according to Elmore, workplaces can have up to five generations (1945ish-2012ish) working together.
In his book, “A New Kind of Diversity”, here are some characteristics of each generation (while also honoring that individual experiences, race, gender, socioeconomic status and cultural factors also impact generational diversity differently).
Builders are born between 1929-45. They lived through the great depression, are frugal and are grateful to have a job. The Boomers are born 1946-1964 and are known for their strong work ethic and commitment to traditional values. Builders and boomers love a conversation on the phone, in-person meetings and a nicely organized org chart!
Generation X (born 1965-1980) is known to be Independent and adaptable. They value work-life balance and prefer flexible work arrangements. They know life with and without the speed of the internet and globalization!
Millennials (born 1981-1996) are highly educated, technologically savvy, and socially conscious. They seek meaningful work and value collaboration while Generation Z (born 1997-2012) have a ton of similarities and are known to value diversity and are complete digitally natives. They prioritize authenticity and instant gratification.
Now that we have a breakdown of generations, here’s some overly general, and not exhaustive, ways to use this information in the workplace.
Okay so for builders and baby boomers leaning into their wisdom and historical narrative in the workplace is really important. Many do not share the value of work-life balance or remote work and may even have a negative connotation associated with it. Support them while learning new technology and remember that their wisdom is invaluable- so lean in because builders and boomers have a ton of important information to share!
Gen x-ers are the bridge to all generations because they understand what life is like with and without the internet. Work-life balance is an expectation and remote work is embraced.
Millennials and gen z’ers are fast because their world has always been fast making them very impatient. You’ll have to teach them how to slow down and to be resilient as many have never had to practice that before.
Here’s my own practical application after learning about the importance of generational diversity. I decided to ask my fellow board members, my executive team, and my professional network how they prefer to communicate. Their responses included “texting is best”, “do not email me because I don’t ever check emails”, “please call me and if I don’t answer leave me a message”, “DM me on Instagram in our group” to “I still enjoy a paper newsletter every once in a while!.” If you are a leader in the workplace I especially urge you to lean in to practical applications that honor generational diversity.
So the takeaway: five generations in the workplace will impact all aspects. You get to decide if you’ll use it as an obstacle or superpower.
I’d love to know your thoughts on what you are doing to be more considerate of five generations in the workplace. Follow me on Linkedin or on social @soy_dalinda – but don’t call me because I never answer my phone. Text me instead. 😉
Editor’s Note: The above guest column was penned by Dalinda Gonzalez-Alcantar, a trustee for South Texas College and CEO of Boys & Girls Club of McAllen. Part of Gen X, Gonzalez-Alcantar says she values work-life balance as she raises her two children with her husband Marco. The column appears in the Rio Grande Guardian with the permission of the author.
