Engaging the Next Generation Today: A Fresh Look at Your Multigenerational Staff

Engaging the Next Generation Today: A Fresh Look at Your Multigenerational Staff

Shira HarringtonFounder & President

Purposeful Hire

Houston RuckCreative DirectorGrowth Energy

Kids These Days!

“Children today are tyrants.

They contradict their parents, gobble

their food and tyrannize their

teachers.”

Socrates (470-399 B.C.)

Disclaimers About the Generations

Generational diversity vs. age diversity

People are individuals

Use to archetype, not to stereotype!

What Shaped the Traditionalists?Traditionalist1915 - 1945

• Hard work• Sacrifice• Respect for authority• Following the rules• Frugality• Military focus• God and country

Traditionalist Values

What Shaped the Baby Boomers?Baby Boomer1946 - 1964

• Respect for seniority• Live to work• Pay your dues• Face time• Career-focused• Competitive• Long-tenured jobs• Women in leadership• Diversity / Civil rights

Baby Boomer Values

Baby Boomers Today

• Sandwiched generation• Facing financial crisis• Can’t retire• Long life expectancy• Many want to reinvent their careers

What Shaped Generation X?

Generation X1965 - 1980

• Independence• Self-reliance• Cynicism• Questions authority• Entrepreneurism• Work to live• Work-life balance

Generation X Values

Generation X Today

• Many choosing to forgo executive roles• Waiting for Boomers to retire• Moms trying to re-enter workforce

What Shaped the Millennials?

Millennial1981 - 2000

• High expectations / Self-esteem• Strong parental influence• Global diversity• Saving the environment• Tech-focused• Team oriented• Work-life integration• Multi-tasking• Rapid career advancement• Frequent feedback• Question everything• Personal branding

Millennial Values

Millennials Today

• Facing massive college debt• 61% of recent grads unemployed or

underemployed• Want to innovate but fear failing• Afraid of commitment• Unlimited opportunities• Want to change the world

Generational Work Values

Who are YOU loyal to?

• Older generations loyal to employer• 1990s recession broke loyalty contract• Millennials tuned to station WIIFM• Employees are paid volunteers • Focused on career advancement This is a challenge for succession planning!

Decline of Employer Loyalty

Authority / Leadership

How does a leader get respect?

Older workers• Respect for authority based on military model

(age, tenure, rank)

Younger workers• Respect for authority not assumed…it’s earned

What Happened to Work Ethic?

Face time… or get the job done?

Older workers• Putting in face time = good work ethic

Younger workers• Paid to get job done regardless of when/where

Is Knowledge Really Power? Older Workers• Knowledge is on need-to-know basis

Younger Workers• Knowledge should be shared freely

Sharing Knowledge

Time for Discussion!

Discuss at your tables

What is one thing you could do to raise the level of engagement in your multigenerational

workforce?

Questions?

Shira HarringtonFounder & PresidentPurposeful Hire, Inc.

[email protected]

www.purposefulhire.com

Houston RuckCreative DirectorGrowth Energy

[email protected]@SawatdeeRuck