Multi generations

Community Futures

Past Present & FutureWorking with a Multi-

Generational Workforce

ASPECT 2010 WorkshopDawn McCooey

McCooey Consulting Group Inc.Thanks to Community Futures &

Women’s Enterprise Centre

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Why is this important?

• Baby Boomer exodus between 2005-2020

• Birthrate in Canada• Price of employee turnover• Pressure on employers

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Four Generations In The Workforce Today

• Veterans• Baby Boomers• Generation X• Generation Y

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VeteransMatures, Elders, Silent Generation

– Born between 1922 and 1945– Regimented lives, rules, authority– Value sacrifice, dedication and

conformity– Men went to work – women stayed

home

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Veterans – Defining Events

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Veterans – Work Style

– “Work First” Generation– Respect for hierarchy, command

management– Lifetime commitment with gold watch

retirement– Limited patience

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Baby Boomers

– Born between 1946 and 1964– Value commitment, loyalty and

dedication– The original “ME” Generation – largest

age cohort– Original entrepreneurs

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Boomers – Defining Events

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Boomers – Work Style

– “Live to Work” Generation– Job is part of their identity– Loyal, sacrifice for the company– Advancement based on loyalty and hard

work verses seniority

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Generation XBaby Busters, X-ers

– Born between 1965 and 1978– Original “latchkey” and “ping pong” kids– Encouraged to find a job they ‘enjoyed’– Technologically adept, fine with change– Value education, very independent

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Generation X – Defining Events

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Generation X – Work Style

– “Work to Live” Generation– Value work-life balance, diversity and

individualism– Look to be creative, want tangible

results– Self sufficient and entrepreneurial

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Generation YMillennials, Nexters, Echo Boomers

– Born between 1978 and 1998– Advanced technological, fast paced

world– Violence packed media

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Generation Y

– Value self-expression vs. self control– Hold very close relationships with family

and friends– Demand respect, loyal to causes and

people– Highly educated, tolerant, accept and

value diversity

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Generation Y – Defining Events

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Generation Y – New Technology

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Generation Y – Cultural Influences

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Generation Y - Icons

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Generation Y – Work Style– “Live Then Work”– Exceptional multi-taskers– Want flexibility (dress code, work hours,

etc.)– Strong sense of entitlement– Want challenging, meaningful work– Loyal to people, not organizations– Do not want work that defines who they

are – Boredom is their archenemy – want

“fun”

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Common Assumptions

• “They Have No Loyalty”• “They Don’t Want to Pay Their Dues

to Get to the Top”• “They Dress Inappropriately”• “They Need Constant Praise”

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Work Ethic Issue

Date: October 30th, 1972

“Is Work Ethic Going Out of Style?”

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Identifying the Positives in Gen Y

• Adaptability• Innovativeness• Efficiency• Resiliency• Tolerance

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Video – 60 Minutes “The Millenials are

Coming”

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Gen Y – Getting Buy InWhat do they really want?

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Management Techniques That Work!

• Clear Expectations• Coaching Management Style• Recognizing Efforts• Environment of Inclusion• Effective Leadership

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Communication

• Talk to Them!– Trust & Respect– Encouragement– Humour & Fun– Feedback

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Recognition, Recognition, Recognition

• Motivates and inspires• Contributes to loyalty• Needs to be specific & timely

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Rewards & Incentives• Consider perceived value• Reward dependability• Personal and tailored• Watch for pitfalls

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Wrap-up• Final comments or questions• Thank you• Evaluations