A presentation by: Vince Pavic

Director of Human Resources and Employee Relations,

Wicomico County Public Schools

Five Generations in the Workplace

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To investigate and discuss the phenomenon of having five (5) different generations in the workplace and why it matters.

Intended takeaways: A better understanding of what makes each of these groups tick as well as tips for managing an ever increasing workforce that is diverse.

Today’s Goal:

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Traditionalists

Baby Boomers

Generation X

Generation Y

Generation Z

So What are the Five Generations?

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Also known as: Radio Babies, The Silent Generation

Major Events: The Great Depression Social Security Act Hindenburg Explosion World War II Japanese attack Pearl Harbor Detroit, MI race riots Atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki, Japan

TRADITIONALISTS (born 1930-1945)

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6771yXRBJPw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL12CVl_SAM

The Sights / Sounds of the Traditionalist:

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Loaf of Bread = 8 centsToilet Paper (called tissue then) = 9 cents for

2 rollsCampbell’s Tomato Soup = 4 cans for 25

cents

Other Interesting Facts:

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Traditionalists:Have loyalty and respect for authorityVery defined sense of right vs. wrongDisciplinedGrew up without televisionRely on the past (draw on their experiences)Detail-orientedLike consistency and uniformityMilitary leadership styleFew women in the workforceVery patrioticValue courtesy, respect and formalityFind feedback unnecessaryThey seek to do their job, not win approval via feedbackWork comes first/willing to sacrifice personal life

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When recruiting and employing the Traditionalist:Newspaper AdsFace-to-face recruitmentBeing valued as a worker most importantSalary important, but work is valued very

highlyTap into vast experiences (work and life)Hard workers who value employersLots of Traditionalists re-entering the

workforce struggling with retirementClear work rulesExpect a stable work environment

Why Does it Matter?

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Also known as: The Sandwich Generation, The Golden Generation

Major Events:WWII comes to an endKorean War comes to an endBrown v. Board of Education (Baby Boomers are the

first generation to attend integrated elementary schools)

Oral Contraception is approved by the FDAKennedy AssassinationCivil Rights MovementVietnam WarMoon Landing

BABY BOOMERS (born 1946-1964)

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTuioUE2wBE&list=RDHTuioUE2wBE#t=12

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrgvW0KFJqg

The Sights / Sounds of the Baby Boomer:

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Average home prices: $12,700 - $16,000Average income/year: $5,000 - $9,000Gallon of gas: 25 – 35 cents1961 Dodge Dart Pioneer: $2,780

Other Interesting Facts:

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Baby Boomers:Value personal choiceVery involved in their communityAre adaptableVery goal-orientedWork well on teamsValue ownershipUsed typewriters, not computersDespite Civil Rights Movement, gaps in education

and income levels remain largely unchangedWork beyond retirement to maintain identityHave raised children while taking care of aging

parentsLike informal, in-person communicationLike meetings (didn’t like my Death by Meeting

session)

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When recruiting and employing the Baby Boomer:Value a competitive salary, flexible benefits (child

care, elder care)Promotional opportunities, movement up the ladderPrefer promotions and material gains over feedbackFlexibility (job sharing, work-life balance) importantMany Boomers contemplating retirement, creating

a worker shortageWill work long hours and put personal life on holdWant higher status and material recognition of their

workPut them to work in teams; emphasize job security

Why Does it Matter?

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Presentation Joke Break:

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Also known as: Baby Busters, Latchkey KidsMajor Events:

WatergateIranian Hostage CrisisGasoline shortagesTiananmen Square protestBerlin wall comes downReaganomicsMTV begins

Generation X (born 1965 – 1983)

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SOUND:http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMVe_HcyP9Yhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xL5spALs-eA

SIGHT:http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gvqpFbRKtQ&list=PL4384F56CBBA9299F

The Sights / Sounds of the Gen X-er:

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Salisbury, MD (1971) – 3 large bedrooms, large kitchen, dining room, utility room ($16,900)

Car 8-track tape player cost $38.99In 1979 the average income per year was

$17,550.Apples cost $0.59 for four pounds in CA

(1970)Folgers Coffee cost $1.90/pound (1978)

Other Interesting Facts:

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Generation X-ers:Characterized by high levels of skepticismVery educatedVery independentVery results-oriented with high expectationsComfortable with authority but not impressed

with titlesTechnically competentForced to “figure it out on their own”May have respect issues due to growing up

quicklyWork is a task to be finishedAppreciate frequent communication/feedbackQuestion “why” before doing somethingSeek a work-life balance

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When recruiting and employing the Gen X-er:Use multiple avenues to attract (Monster,

Social media)Family is important (benefits and salary are

critical)Autonomy and choice is importantGen Xers do not do well with

micromanagementThis is the sandwich employee (Baby Boomers

won’t get out of their way)Do not expect loyalty and commitment (this

generation was let down)Let them try different roles at workEmphasize goals/results instead of calculating

hours

Why Does it Matter?

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Also known as: Generation Why?, Net Generation, Millenials, Echo Boomers

Major Events:Attempted assassination of the PopeGulf WarAdvent of the PC by IBMLos Angeles Riots (Rodney King)AIDS epidemicChallenger ExplosionUse of DNA to convict criminals used for the

first time

Generation Y (born 1977 - 1991)

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SOUND:http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsUXAEzaC3Qhttp://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap2J9RbXaP4http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wRHBLwpASw

SIGHT:http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkX8J-FKndEhttp://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=clqK5OC3BWE&list=PL92A8E1DC551B7180

The Sights / Sounds of Generation Y:

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In 1990 a new home cost $123,000 and by 1999 was $131,700.

Six pack of Coca-Cola was $0.99 (1996)Gallon of milk was $1.90 (1998)Ground coffee was $3.70/pound (1998)Supernintendo cost $159.0080’s “bagphones” gave way to Cell phone

(2G) technology and cost around $200

Other Interesting Facts:

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Generation Y:Largest generation since the Baby Boomers (3x Gen

X)Incredible sophisticationGrew up with technologyMuch more racially and ethnically diverse generationVery accepting of others and differencesRaised by protective parentsRaised in one of the largest economic booms in U.S.

HistoryInquisitive… “Must know”High sense of entitlementFirst “global” generationPrefer informal and IMMEDIATE communicationLike to have fun at workSeek instant gratification

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Generation Z (1991 and later…)

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Salary and benefits expectations will be very high for this group.

Unmet expectations will cause them to leaveWork social activities are importantTechnology and environment Turnover if not valuedInteractive work groupsMeaningful workChoice and flexibilityRecruitment/communication: they have been using

technology since childhoodPrefer flexible schedulesCrave training opportunities

Y Does it Matter?

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Also known as: New Millenials, Generation 9-11, Zoomers

Major Events: 9-11Space Shuttle Columbia DisasterYoutube is launchedHurricane KatrinaTwitter/Facebook/Social Media explosionMars RoverBarack Obama elected as 44th President of the

U.S.

Generation Z (1991 and later…)

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SOUND:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fibHPYa3nk8

SIGHTS:http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=74Bylq3RRr8

The Sights / Sounds of Generation Z:

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Last year:Avg. gallon of gas cost about $3.75Folgers Coffee cost $7.98Avg. house rent cost approx. $1,195Avg. new house purchase cost approx.

$289,5002014 Subaru Forester costs $21,995

Other Interesting Facts:

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Generation Z:Youngest group in the workforceExtremely tech-savvyPreferred mode of communication is texting

(email is for “old folks”)Generally happy, and secureHad protective parents that monitored

everything; which was seen as positive Team players that like engaging in community

service More activities available than ever before; and

often co-ed.

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The jury is still out on a lot of what Gen Z will bring to the table

Special emphasis should be given toward negotiation and conflict-resolution skills

Since protected growing up, they are often not used to conflict or how to deal with it

May involve parents or family in issues at work

Relationship building is critical

Why Does it Matter?

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Generational Summary:

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Questions…