Are You Prepared for the Multi-Generational Workplace?

Did you know that there are five – count ‘em – generations now working in the workplace?

They are:

  • The Traditionalists. Those folks were born between 1922 and 1943. They make up about 12 percent of the workforce today. They lived through the Depression and may have served in World War II. They have a deep respect for authority and the rules. You can count on Traditionalists when push comes to shove, but you may have a bit of a longer learning curve when it comes to embracing new technology.
  • The Boomers. They make up a bit more than 26 percent of the workforce today (the second largest group). These employees were born between 1944 and 1960 (some demographers say between 1946 and 1964, but let’s not quibble). These folks can be workaholics. They tend to be optimistic. They’re still embracing paper calendars, but many have embraced technology (iPads, anyone?). This cohort tends to seek personal gratification on the job.
  • Generation X comes next. Born between 1961 and 1980, these workers fill up almost 20 percent of your workforce. They tend to be self-reliant (being a former latch-key kid will do that to a person), are realistic and have learned hard lessons about the non-permanence of marriage and jobs as they watched their Boomer parents divorce and receive pink slips in the 1970s. Many Generation Xers have an entrepreneurial bent, as do later-born (1956 and beyond) Boomers.
  • Generation Y (also known as the Millennials) is the largest cohort, at more than 27 percent of today’s workforce. These individuals were born between 1981 and 2000. Particularly tech savvy and socially conscious these employees are competitive and confident (perhaps to a fault; Gen Y members sometimes are accused of possessing a great sense of entitlement).
  • While they may not be making up your workforce yet, Generation Z was born in 2001 and beyond. No older than 12 or 13 at this point, the members of Generation Z will be coming to your company in just a few years as summer teen employees, and will be storming your gates in force by 2020. These now-young people tend to be self-reliant and so attached to technology it’s a wonder their smartphones won’t evolve into actual extensions of their hands by the time they’re applying for positions at your company.

Are you prepared for a workplace devoid of Traditionalists in just a few years and Boomers not long after (the first wave of Boomers are in their early to mid-60s)? How is your company evolving to be the go-to employer for all generations? How are you crafting a company culture that embraces each generation’s strengths and quirks?

When you need workers that fit well at your San Bernardino business, contact Arrow Staffing. We look forward to hearing how we may be of service.

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