As more baby boomers work well past retirement age, and tech-smart millennials continue to graduate and begin their careers, a modern workforce now includes employees spanning three distinct generations. The differences in the values, communication styles and work habits of each generation are becoming increasingly visible, and it’s important for employers to understand the generational differences and cultural expectations that each group has, so organisations can work with them to ensure a happy and driven workforce.
Adecco has conducted research into these generational differences within the workplace, and gives advice on how a business can appreciate what motivates each group in order to maximize their output, leading to fulfilling opportunities for everyone.
Here are some of the key differences:
- 30% of baby boomers have postponed retirement plans
- Millennials now make up the biggest proportion of the US workforce
- Generation Y obtain 88% of their news via social media
- Only 63% of baby boomers have broadband
- Generation X place more value on ‘life’ than ‘work’, compared to baby boomer who think the opposite
These infographics by Adecco show us the multi-generational employee motivation as it stands today:
