Millennial Madness… Ready or not, here they come!

The Veterans came of age during the Great Depression and World War II. Because this generation grew up with-out material wealth, they are frugal and don’t believe in the use of debt to buy material possessions or to build a business. They are loyal to a single employer for a lifetime and expect the same type of loyalty in return. They show up for work on time, rarely call in sick, and do as they are told because they believe in command- and-control man-agement. Rewards are measured in years, such as the 20 year work anniversary gold watch. They respect their boss and their elders, and are frustrated when they do not feel they get the respect they deserve from younger co-workers in the organization.

Millennials may be the smartest, cleverest, most-wanted generation to have ever walked the planet. Raised by doting parents, they were told they could be whatever they wanted to be, and they believe it. Optimistic with little or no tolerance of traditional racial and sexual cate-gorizing, they’re a no-child-left-behind generation, and willing to fight for fairness. They want a flexible work-place that allows for creative expression in their work and attire. Loyalty is rare as they will have about ten careers in their lifetime. They need more incentive to work than just a paycheck, like immediate and constant feedback and rewards. Ready or not… the trophy kids have grown up and they’re coming to work for you.

Generation X grew up in the post-‘60s era of Watergate, the energy crisis, and the Challenger disaster. The original latchkey kids, most GenX grew up with both parents working and saw their Boomer parents get laid off or miserable in their jobs. Their value system is, “I am going to have a life first and work will come second,” and have pushed for flex hours, the 4-day work week, and paid parental leave for both fathers and mothers. You cannot threaten a GenX to do something or they will be fired, it won’t work. They are not afraid of change since they have changed cities, home, and parents all their lives. They won’t join your association, and their loyalties are to their friends and families, not their jobs.

The post-war babies had little in the way of toys or nice clothes and vowed to give their children everything they didn’t have growing up. They understood the principle of working hard to earn a living and left home at the age of 18. If a Boomer was told to do something at work or else be fired – they did it because of the fear of not being able to pay the bills or support their family. The first genera-tion to rebel against their parents, Boomers invented the phrase, “Don’t trust anyone over 30.” They expect to be rewarded with an annual raise. Boomers hold too many pointless meetings, want a fair and level playing field for all, believe in a 60-hour work week, and have little use for socializing at work.

VETERANS (Born 1922-1942)“Waste not, want not.”

MILLENNIALS (1985-2000)“I’m special, look at me.”

BOOMERS (Born 1943-1963)“If you’ve got it… �aunt it.”

GENERATION X (Born 1964-1984)“If you want loyalty, get a dog.”

WHO ARE THE GENERATIONS?

WORK PLACE CHARACTERISTICS

VETERANS BOOMERS GENERATION X MILLENNIALS

& Values

Work Is….. A difficult challenge A contract

A means to an endFulfillment

Work Ethic

DedicatedWilling to sacrificeHard-workingConformingPatientDuty-drivenRespect for authority and rules

WorkaholicsWork efficiently Team-orientedFocused on personal health and wealth

DiverseGlobally orientedWork-life balanceInformalSelf-reliantPragmaticTechnology literate

OptimisticCivic-mindedConfidentSociableMost diverseOpen mindedTechno-advanced

Dress CodeDress shirt tucked in with belt and dress slacks

Polo shirtJeans

Flip FlopsTattoosPiercings

Feedback& Rewards

No news is good news. Satisfaction in a job well done.

Don’t appreciate it MoneyTitle recognition

Do you have a minute? Howam I doing?Freedom is the best reward.

Whenever I want it, atthe push of a button. Meaningful work

Suit and tie

An obligation An exciting adventure

DOGet to work on time

Introduce yourself to visitors

Rise from seat when upper managemententers a room

Respond to emails and messages in a timely manner

Use table manners at company dinners

Wear appropriate attire: Sleeveless tops;Leather mules; Multiple gold earrings;

Dressy cropped pants; Khakis;Above-the-knee skirts

Avoid obnoxious behavior at office parties

Pay full attention at meetings

DON’TArrive late to work

Ignore visitors

Act disinterested when upper managemententers a room

Let emails and messages go unanswered for days

Complain about service or food at company dinners

Wear clothes intended for the beach or a bar: Spaghetti straps; Rubber flip-flops; Nose rings;

Shorts; Pajama bottoms;Micro-mini skirts

Drink excessively at office parties

Play with devices during meetings

DO THIS, NOT THAT!

Meaningful jobs

Attentive supervisors

Clear direction

Healthy work/life balance

Appreciation for job well done

Socially responsible employers

WE ALL WANT THE SAME THINGS

SourcesGreg Hammill. FDU Magazine, Winter/Spring, 2005 http://www.fdu.edu/newspubs/magazine/05ws/generations.htm Maria Puente, USA Today http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2004-11-30-work-clothes_x.htm

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