Why Can’t We Be Friends?7 Ways Generations Clash in the Workplace and How They Can Get Along

IntroductionThree generations now occupy the workplace, and each brings its own strengths and weaknesses. But how does each generation view the others? What plusses and minuses is each known for? For our 2015 State of Enterprise Work Report, we set out to answers these questions. These answers might surprise you…

Finding #1: Overall, Generation X is more associated with positive characteristics than other generations.

We asked office workers: “Thinking about the employees at your company, which generation does each characteristic most describe?”

Finding #2: Millennials are known for creativity and tech-savviness.

72% said Millennials were “Most Tech-Savvy”47% said Millennials were “Most Creative”

Finding #3: Baby Boomers are known for their strong work ethic.

50% said Baby Boomers had “Strongest Work Ethic”

Finding #4” Baby Boomers don’t think much of Millennials.

Only 6% of Baby Boomers said Millennials were “Hardest Workers”Only 6% identified Millennials as “Most Productive”Only 6% identified Millennials as “Most Friendly/Helpful”1% associated Millennials with “Strongest Work Ethic”

51% of Baby Boomers said Millennials were “Biggest Roadblocks”56% identified Millennials as “Biggest Complainers”61% identified Millennials as “Least Cooperative”76% identified Millennials as “Least Likely to Take Responsibility”

Finding #5: Even Millennials agreed that their generation could use some improvement.

49% of Millennials identified themselves as “Biggest Complainers”54% identified themselves as “Least Likely to Take Responsibility”

Finding #6: Millennials aren’t too thrilled with Baby Boomers, either.

Only 5% of Millennials said that Baby Boomers were “Most Productive”Only 5% said Baby Boomers were “Best Troubleshooters”Only 2% said Baby Boomers were “Most Creative”1% said Baby Boomers were “Most Tech-Savvy”

47% said Baby Boomers were “Least Cooperative”54% called Baby Boomers “Biggest Roadblocks”

Finding #7: Each generation rates itself higher than other generations do.

Millennials

Generation X

Baby Boomers

ConclusionEvery generation has something to contribute in the workplace. Understanding the differences between the generations, enterprise teams should invest in tools and processes that bridge these gaps, keep communication open, and take advantage of strengths.Click here to read the full State of Enterprise Work Report.