Presentation given to the Allen County Health Department about strategies for working in a multi-generational work environment. 10/7/11

1. Surviving and Thriving in a Multi-Generational Workforce

2. Our Goals for Today Gain an understanding of differentgenerationsin the workforce and what makes each important on your team Develop a plan for managing different generations Identify effective strategies for working in multigenerational workplaces and teams

3. 1st time in US History

8. Veterans: Over 67 years old Important events included: The Great Depression WWII Disney releases it’s first animated feature (Snow White) The Korean War Sputnik went into Orbit You might be a veteran if… You have the ability to entertain yourself without a TV, in fact you remember the days before TV Popular Technology: Radio

12. Baby Boomers: 47-66 years old Important events included: Man walks on the Moon Civil Rights Woodstock Deaths of JFK and Martin Luther King Vietnam War begins You might be a Boomer if you can complete these sentences… When the Beatles first came to the U.S. in early 1964, we all watched them on the ______show "Get your kicks, ________________” Popular Technology: Television

17. Generation X: 32-46 years old Important events: The Cold War (remember getting under your desk?) Challenger Shuttle Explodes on Takeoff Berlin Wall Dismantled Fall of Communism in Eastern Europe U.S. Troops go to Persian Gulf for the 1st time AIDS Identified You might be a Gen Xer if… Schoolhouse Rock played a HUGE part in how you actually learned the English language. I know what a Bill (sittin’ up on Capital Hill) is thanks to that show!! Popular Technology: Computers

21. Millennials: 11-31 years old Important Events: Death of Princess Diana Death of Mother Teresa Columbine 9/11 World Center Attacks War begins in Iraq for a 2nd time You might be a Millennial if… Blog, Myspace/Facebook, IM, text messaging, and other social media are a regular part of your daily life Popular Technology: The internet, cell phones

27. Generational Activities Form generational groups Brainstorm 5 positive and 5 negative characteristics of other generations Create a list of what you don’t understand about other generations approach to work. Bring cards to front when finished Within your group, do the characteristics written accurately describe you? Choose a spokesperson to explain your answer

28. Is the workplace really that different compared to 20 years ago?

29. According to a survey by Lee Hecht Harrison, 60% of employers are experiencing intergenerational tensions at work. *Source: Generation Y: They’ve Arrived at Work with a New Attitude, 2005

30. Sound Familiar? Looking for meaningful work Seeking challenge Chance to prove themselves and show they can perform well Enjoys contact with people Desire to be in a position of responsibility Resents being looked at as though they have no experience Tends to be more job mobile Less respectful of authority Who does this describe?

31. Training and Development Journal November 1970 Sorry Boomers, the other generations in the workforce didn’t like you when you started working! Every generation that enters the workforce makes waves!

33. Workplace Values Source: When Generations Collide

34. Managing Different Generations

35. Veterans Assets: Experience, enhanced knowledge, dedication, focus, loyalty, stability, emotional maturity, perseverance Possible issues: Reluctant to buck the system, uncomfortable with conflict, may want to keep things the way they are Messages that Motivate: “Your experience is respected here” Rewards: Tangible symbols of loyalty, commitment, and service including plaques and certificates Methods of Communication: Memos, letters and personal notes

36. Baby Boomers Assets: Service orientation, dedication, team perspective, experience, knowledge Possible issues: May put process ahead of results Messages that Motivate: “We need you”, “ Your opinion is valued” Rewards: personal appreciation, promotion, and recognition Methods of Communication: phone calls, personal interaction

37. Generation X Assets: Adaptability, techno-literacy, independence, creativity, willingness to buck the system Possible issues: Skeptical, may distrust authority Messages that Motivate: “Do it your way”, “there aren’t a lot of rules around here” Rewards: Free time, opportunities for development, certifications to add to their resumes Methods of Communication: Voice mail, email

38. Millennials Assets: Collective action, optimism, ability to multi-task, and technologically savvy Possible issues: Need for supervision and structure, inexperience-particularly when dealing with difficult people Messages that Motivate: “Your work makes a huge difference here” Rewards: Awards, certificates, tangible evidence of credibility Methods of Communication: texting, instant messaging,

39. How Can You Help Different Generations Work Together Effectively?

40. FOCUS: on the similarities of the four generations. We all want to be successful in our careers. We all have hopes and dreams.

41. UNDERSTAND: the differences between the way the generations approach work. OPTIMIZE: the strengths of each group: Traditionalists are loyal employees. Boomers are highly optimistic. X-ers value independence and flexibility. Millennials value teamwork and personal connection.

42. REALIZE: the possible weaknesses of each generation. Younger workers may not see the potential hazards and pitfalls of business. They don’t have the knowledge of what has worked in the past and what has been a total failure. Older workers may be too focused on the way things have “always been done” and thus be resistant to accepting new procedures and new technologies.

44. If you remember nothing else, remember this…

52. Thank You!!! Jennifer Fisher, Program Manager jfisher@fwchamber.org Graduate Retention Program Twitter:Jenfisherfw Blog: www.generationalsoup.com www.indianaintern.net