Generations & Work Ethic

 

Do you think that one  generation has a better work ethic than others? What have you seen in your workplace? Are you frustrated by those in other generations?

Choose an answer to this question. Which generation has a stronger work ethic?

• Millennials  (born between 1981 and 1999)
• Gen X  (born between 1965 and 1980)
• Baby Boomers  (born between 1946 and 1964)

A recent study looked into this topic with a statistical study. They went into the study stipulating that evidence was mixed from previous studies. And I'm sure you have your own anecdotes from your experiences.

We try not do have stereotypes about generations, our own and others, but sometimes it is difficult to avoid. And the generations have differences in what the researchers note has been called "significant life events at critical development stages". The point that beliefs and attitudes have been shaped by these shared histories is well proven.

For Boomers the influences include the Viet Nam War, civil rights for African-Americans and assassinations of prominent leaders. Boomers have been loyal to their employers and place work as central to their lives.

Members of Generation X were influenced by the first Iraq War, the President Bill Clinton sex scandal, school shootings, the HIV epidemic and reality television. There was a tendency for them to leave home and come back. They hesitated to commit to long-term relationships, perhaps because of the high divorce rate from their collective parents. They strive for work-family balance. The tend to want to work autonomously.

Millennials have been influenced by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the second Iraq War, and the election of the first African-American president. There has not been that much research about their work experience and preferences because they are new to the workplace, but the researchers mention these traits among others:  confident, team-oriented, and achievement-oriented.

That's a lot of diversity in the workplace, so this basic an understanding will help you manage the potential conflicts in the workplace. Members of any generation can look at the others in the workplace and be annoyed or frustrated. My favorite generational bias is Gen Xers feeling that Boomers have a feeling of entitlement while Boomers feel that Millennials have a feeling of entitlement. Awareness of this kind of thing will help you develop ways to get individuals and groups to work together better.

But does either group have a better work ethic than the others? That's a pretty basic value. The researchers looked very carefully at this in a way that allowed them to put statistics to the analysis. They found that there was not really a difference between the generations when it comes to work ethic.  

So how do you use this information?

• Do not assume that one generation works less hard than another. They may tend to work differently, and you need to know that. It helps you be a better manager of people. It helps you understand individuals so that you can place them in a role where they fit and can excel.
• Be aware of your own biases and use your knowledge of generations to help you avoid negative stereotyping by age or generation. This will get you in trouble as much as stereotyping by gender, race or national origin.
• Use your knowledge of generational influences and tendencies to help you build rapport with others. Connect with and appreciate their interests, values and priorities. Find out about them as individuals. You manage individuals, not generalizations.

Have you been stereotyped because of your generation? What have you experienced with these differing generations in the same workplace?