Understanding Generational Diversity: Why It’s Important To The Future Workplace
By Mary Cooney, PhD
Diversity: it is an important issue in today’s business landscape. More and more, HR departments are being called to handle issues related to diversity, and indeed entire departments have been formed to make sure that diversity, equity and inclusion are handled correctly and sensitively.
But while many of these programs primarily focus on issues such as racial or gender diversity, there is one type of diversity that is frequently overlooked: generational diversity. And while it may not be as newsworthy as other types of diversity, it is no less important to businesses. In fact, a 2018 Ranstad Wormonitor study showed that 86% of workers prefer to work on multi-generational teams (defined as those who are least 10-15 years apart in age).
Why? Surveys show age-diverse organizations come up with innovative ideas and creative solutions to challenges. But the benefits of generational diversity — and the dangers of ignoring it — run much deeper than that.
These oldest employees in the workforce are Traditionalists (born 1925-1942). Raised during the Great Depression, economic survival was top priority. They remember the effects of WWII, creating a generation of disciplined, patriotic, and conservative citizens.
After them are the Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964), born in the aftermath of the WWII when there was a “boom” in birthrates. They grew up in a time of optimism, economic growth, and space exploration.
Next are Gen X (born 1965-1980). Known as the latch-key generation, members of this group often grew up in households with divorced or two working parents. With the advent of personal computers and internet, they became tech-savvy and highly independent.
Millennials (born 1981-1996) came next. Born during a time of economic growth to optimistic parents, they were encouraged to take risks, collaborate, and become entrepreneurs in a tech-driven world.
Finally, Gen Z (born 1997-2013) are the newest members of the workforce. Born in the shadow of 9/11, they experienced economic insecurity during the Great Recession and the threat of violence from school shootings. They are also known as “digital natives.”
