Baby Boomers – Multi-Generations in the Workplace Part 3

Baby-Boomers

As we continue our series on Multi-generations in the workplace, we will focus on the Baby Boomers.   Born between the mid 1940’s and mid 1960’s, this generation, like all other generations, has unique characteristics.  But what advantages and challenges does it create in the workplace?

Baby Boomers were born just after World War 2, at which point there was a significant rise in the birth rate.  Baby boomers were typically the wealthiest, active and physically fit up to that point.

Other characteristics/facts:

• Loyal – This generation, like the Silent Generation, were very loyal and believed that being “on the job” for a long period of time was as important as skills required to do the job.
• “Buy now – pay later” – That was their motto and as such, were more materialistic than their predecessors.
• Workaholics – They worked 60+ hours each weak, establishing self worth and work fulfillment.  They felt that the only way to achieve quality results was to work extremely hard.  As a result, they feel everyone working around them should also follow this mindset.
• Good Communicators – Again, like the Silent Generation, they are very good communicators, however, unlike most from the Silent Generation, technology was acquired and the ability to use electronic communication developed over time.
• Family – This generation has the highest rate of divorce and second marriages in history.  Work / life balance suffered due to long work hours and a reluctance to take time off.
• Influences – They were promised the American Dream as children and work towards achieving that goal.

These are some of the experiences and qualities that have driven the personalities and work ethics of this generation.  Understanding their beliefs and experiences can help those from other generations understand how best to relate to them.

For instance, if you believe that family is the most important aspect of your life, and that your job is a means to live, it may be more challenging to understand what drives the baby boomer, who comes to work early and stays late each night, and then takes work home on the weekend.  On the flip side of that, the baby boomer may question your loyalty and commitment if you don’t do that.

Again, understanding what drives the behaviour of your supervisor, co-workers or subordinates from this generation will go a long way in helping you have a better and more productive working relationship.  Understand what motivates them, and identify the different ways in which you approach things. Additionally, consulting an employment lawyer about hostility in the workplace can provide valuable insight and guidance on how to address and resolve such issues effectively.

Do you know someone who is faced with this challenge?  Feel free to share this post by using the share links at the top of this page.  And catch up with Part 2 of the series Multi-Generations in the Workplace.