How many times have you heard yourself grumble about your youngest employees, "This generation just doesn't show respect anymore" or "They are so lazy" or "They always want perks before actually deserving them"?
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s because your business has begun to feel effect of four generations in the same workplace: the WWII generation, baby boomers, Generation X and Echo Boomers. Changing your negative perceptions will not only allow you to see the many positive attributes of this generation, but also keep you one step ahead of the generation game.
The inevitable is the entrance into the workforce of this younger generation called the Echo Boomers. Also known as the Millennials, Nesters, Nexters, Generation Y, or Generation WHY, this group is often misunderstood and perceived negatively. But, it’s quite the contrary!
Each and every generation has its own characteristics. Our attitudes and opinions formed by major events in our formative years shape our perception of life: family, friends, authority, politics and work. The generations are as follows:
WWII Generation: Born before 1940
- WWII
- Respect for hierarchy (i.e. top-down management)
- Men belong in the workplace; women at home
- Importance of the nuclear family
Baby Boomers: Born 1940 – 1960
- End of WWII
- Vietnam War
- Cold War
- Television
- Feminism and civil rights
- Casual clothing expresses individuality
Generation X: Born 1960 - 1980
- Cold War
- The Watergate Scandal
- Microwave technology
- Divorce and single-parent families are common
Echo Boomer: Born 1980 – 2000
- The Gulf War
- The fall of the Berlin Wall
- Business scandals (i.e. Enron)
- The rise of multiculturalism and globalization
- Terrorism
- Rapidly expanding technology, the Internet
- Emphasis on multitasking
- A refocusing on family (i.e. close parent-child relations)
Echo Boomers should not be perceived as lazy or demanding, but merely products of their environment. Learning to see their positive side will help you use them to their full potential as employees.
Echo Boomers have many choices available to them. As the demand for workers continues to increase, so their options have become varied and plentiful. They can afford to be choosy about where they work.
They might appear demanding and impatient but consider this: They were raised in a time where news did not take days or hours to circulate—but mere seconds, due to the immediacy of the Internet.
Their approach to authority has been influenced by the public falling of many political and business leaders. Having seen the failure and destruction of once reputable figures within society, respect for authority does not come from merely a position or title alone, but proven integrity.
After having seen the toil and hard work of their parents result in lay-offs or termination, Echo Boomers are not automatically prepared to put work first. Instead, they want a life-work balance that allows time for family, friends, volunteering, sports, social events and further skill development.
Echo Boomers have an excellent ability to multi-task. They are capable to performing many tasks within a given time frame. Generally appreciating schedules and goals, Echo Boomers are excellent goal-setters and require macro-management as opposed to micro-management. This generation is also technologically savvy, more often than not being extremely comfortable with advances in technology. The Echo Boomer generation also seeks mentorship and coaching from their more experienced management team. Their desire to know and have their hands in everything is a statement of their interest.
Successful businesses will grasp the characteristics of this group and not complain of its weaknesses but profit from its strengths. Take the following steps in learning how to deal with the generation gap:
- Learn about them
- Acknowledge them
- Appreciate them
- Don’t focus on the negative
Learn to successfully attract and manage Echo Boomers. This group is sharp, capable, craving for knowledge and success, just doing so in a different manner than what was done in the past. Facilitate the positive growth of your organization and capitalize on what is being referred to as the busiest generation ever. Your challenge is to get them busy working toward your business goals and success.