The document discusses the characteristics and workplace behaviors of four different generations: Veterans, Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials. It highlights their core values, strengths, weaknesses, and communication styles, emphasizing how generational differences can impact management and communication within a workforce. The goal is to enhance understanding and collaboration among the generations to improve workplace relationships and productivity.

1. The Changing Face of Our Workforce Four Generations Working Side by Side Presented by: Alexandra S. Jackiw, CPM ® , CAPS

2. Define the four generations and their workplace characteristics Define each generational personality Recognize generational differences Identify the common drivers and value systems of each generation and how those drivers affect motivation and behavior in the workplace Florida Apartment Association Objectives

3. Describe how each generation defines success and understand how the differences affect communication and relationships in the workplace Determine how your approach may need to change coaching, managing and leading employees of different generations Appreciate and gain respect for what is important to each generation Florida Apartment Association Objectives

4. Generations in the Workplace Veterans (Matures): 1925 – 1942 30 Million Boomers: 1943 – 1960 80 Million Generation X: 1961 – 1981 45 Million Millennials (Gen Y): 1982 – 1999 75 Million Florida Apartment Association

5. Florida Apartment Association The Four Generations in the Workplace

6. The events and conditions each of us experience during our formative years help define who we are and how we view the world. Other factors that have influenced generations and how they respond: Parenting Technology Life Span Florida Apartment Association Generations at Work

7. Veterans: 1925-1942 30 Million People – 5% of Work Force 1929 – Stock market crashes 1930 – Great Depression 1932 – FDR elected 1933 – The Dust Bowl 1934 – Social Security System 1937 – Hindenburg tragedy 1937 – Hitler invades Austria 1941 – Pearl Harbor 1944 – D-Day in Normandy 1945 – Victory in Europe/Japan 1950 – Korean War Florida Apartment Association

8. Veterans: 1925-1942 Core Values Dedication/sacrifice Hard work Conformity Law and order Respect for authority Patience Delayed reward Duty before pleasure Adherence to rules Honor Loyalty Florida Apartment Association

9. Veterans: 1925-1942 Generational Personality Like consistency & uniformity Like things on a grand scale Are conformers Believe in logic, not magic Are disciplined Are past-oriented and history absorbed Have always believed in law and order Spending style is conservative Measure work ethic on timeliness, productivity and not drawing attention to one’s self. Florida Apartment Association

10. Veterans: 1925-1942 MARKINGS : Conservative, somewhat “dressy” clothing – coats and ties or stockings; neatly trimmed hair; American cars; golf clubs; mixed drinks; 1/3 are veterans. SPENDING STYLE : Wealthiest generation; save and pay cash. WHAT THEY READ : Reader’s Digest, USA Today, Time, WSJ THEIR HUMOR : Better Half and The Lockhorns. Florida Apartment Association

11. Veterans on the Job ASSETS : Stable Detail-oriented Thorough Loyal Hard-working LIABILITIES : Inept with ambiguity & change Reluctant to buck the system Uncomfortable with conflict. Reticent when they disagree. Florida Apartment Association

12. Veterans: 1925-1942 IN A NUTSHELL: They are the current 66 to 83 year olds. They are very hard working, economically conscious and trusting of the government. They were very optimistic about the future and hold a strong set of moral obligations. 10 Million are over the age of 80. Florida Apartment Association

13. Veterans: 1925-1942 IN A NUTSHELL: They are the most affluent generation. They have a “WE” first group orientation. Delayed gratification – work hard, seek pleasure later. Florida Apartment Association

14. Veterans as Team Members MANAGING - respect experience; earn trust show deference; listen attentively ORIENTATION – take plenty of time OPPORTUNITIES – stress the long haul DEVELOPMENT – technology training MOTIVATING – personal touch; acknowledge contributions, but not too much. MENTORING – tact and respect Florida Apartment Association

15. Coaching and Managing Veterans Allow the employee to set the “rules of engagement.” Ask what has worked for them in the past and fit your approach to the experience. Let them define quality and fit your approach to that definition. Florida Apartment Association

16. Coaching and Managing Veterans Use testimonials from the nation’s institutions - government, business or people Emphasize that you’ve seen a particular approach work in the past; don’t highlight uniqueness Florida Apartment Association

17. Boomers: 1943 – 1960 80 Million People – 45% of Workforce 1954 – McCarthy hearings 1955 – Rosa Parks 1957 – Civil Rights Act 1960 – Birth control pills 1960 – JFK elected 1961 – Peace Corps 1962 – Cuban Missile Crisis 1962 – John Glenn orbits Florida Apartment Association

18. Boomers: 1943 – 1960 1963 – MLK march on D.C. 1963 – JFK assassinated 1965 – US troops to Vietnam 1966 – NOW founded 1968 – MLK & RFK killed 1969 – Lunar landing 1969 – Woodstock 1970 – Kent State shootings Florida Apartment Association

19. Boomers: 1943 – 1960 Core Values Optimism Team orientation Personal gratification Health and wellness Personal growth Youth Work ethic = “worth” ethic Involvement Status Florida Apartment Association

20. Boomers: 1943 – 1960 Generational Personality Believe in growth & expansion. Think of themselves as “stars of the show.” Tend to be optimistic. Learned about teamwork in school and at home. Pursued their own personal gratification without compromise, often at a high price to themselves and others. Searched their souls – repeatedly, obsessively, and recreationally. Have always been cool. Concerned about gaining control of time Florida Apartment Association

21. Boomers: 1943 – 1960 MARKINGS : Designer glasses, whatever’s trendy, BMWs, designer suits, designer bodies, vintage wines, customized products and services. SPENDING STYLE : Buy now, pay later – with plastic. WHAT THEY READ : Business Week, People. THEIR HUMOR : Doonesbury Florida Apartment Association

22. Boomers on the Job ASSETS : Service-oriented Driven Willing to go the “extra mile” Good at relationships Want to please Good team players LIABILITIES : Not “budget-minded” Dislike conflict Reluctant to oppose peers May put process ahead of result Too sensitive to feedback Judgmental of those who see things differently Self-centered Florida Apartment Association

23. Boomers: 1943 - 1960 IN A NUTSHELL: They are the current 48 to 65 year olds. They have a strong set of ideals and traditions, and are very family-oriented. They are fearful of the future, politically conservative and active, and fairly socially liberal. Florida Apartment Association

24. Boomers: 1943 - 1960 IN A NUTSHELL: They are the most influential generation. Workaholic mentality defined by TIME spent on the job. Unique orientation to TEAM. Cherish those that contribute in a way that benefits the TEAM. Florida Apartment Association

25. Boomers as Team Members MANAGING – don’t suffer in silence; political animals; acknowledge time spent; recognize how busy they are; be succinct – they’re running out of time. ORIENTATION – focus on challenges; optimistic language stressing positives; OPPORTUNITIES – personalized treatment; customized, specialized approach. DEVELOPMENT – “soft skills”; strategic planning; budgeting MOTIVATING – public recognition; perks; plaques; “How can I help the team?” MENTORING – personal growth; “forever young”; talk about how it used to be. Florida Apartment Association

26. Coaching and Managing Boomers Show how you can help them manage their time wisely Assess their comfort level with technology in advance Demonstrate how important a strong team is Customize your style to their unique needs Florida Apartment Association

27. Coaching and Managing Boomers Emphasize that working with you will be a good experience for them Emphasize that their decision is a good one and a “victory” for them – they’re competitive and want to win Follow up and check how they are doing on a regular basis Florida Apartment Association

28. Gen X-ers: 1961 – 1981 45 Million People – 40% of Workforce 1970 – Women’s Lib 1972 – Munich Olympics 1973 - Watergate 1973 – Energy crisis begins 1976 – Tandy & Apple PCs 1979 – Three Mile Island 1979 – Corporate lay-offs 1979 – Iran hostage crisis Florida Apartment Association

29. Gen X-ers: 1961 – 1981 1980 – John Lennon killed 1980 – Reagan inaugurated 1986 – Challenger disaster 1987 – Stock market drops 1988 – Bomb in Lockerbie 1988 – Exxon Valdiz spill 1989 – Berlin Wall falls 1991 – Desert Storm 1992 – Rodney King/riots 1993 – OJ Simpson Florida Apartment Association

30. Gen X-ers: 1961 – 1981 Core Values Diversity Thinking globally Balance Techno-literacy Fun Informality Self-reliance Pragmatism “ Carpe Diem” Florida Apartment Association

31. Gen X-ers: 1961 – 1981 Generational Personality Self-reliant. Seeking a sense of family. Want balance. Have non-traditional orientation about time and space. Like informality. Approach to authority is casual. Are skeptical. Are attracted to the edge. Technologically savvy. Florida Apartment Association

32. Gen X-ers: 1961 – 1981 Generational Personality Reluctant to grow up and conform. Taught that they would be the first generation that would not be as successful as their parents. Taught to question authority. Productivity matters more than time on the job. Tough sell – can spot a phony a mile away. “ Prove it to me.” Florida Apartment Association

33. Gen X-ers: 1961 – 1981 MARKINGS : Nose rings, navel rings, functional clothing, tattoos, Japanese cars. SPENDING STYLE : Cautious, conservative. WHAT THEY READ : Spin, Wired, chat room dialogue THEIR HUMOR : Dilbert Florida Apartment Association

34. Gen X-er's View of Work Florida Apartment Association

35. Gen X-ers on the Job ASSETS : Adaptable Techno-literate Independent Unintimidated by authority Creative LIABILITIES : Impatient Poor people skills Inexperienced Cynical Want to control the decision and the plan Florida Apartment Association

36. Gen X-ers: 1961 - 1981 IN A NUTSHELL: They are the current 27 to 47 year olds. They live in the present, like to experiment, and are looking for immediate results. They are selfish and depend a lot on their parents. They question authority and feel like they carry the burden of the previous generations. Florida Apartment Association

37. Gen X-ers: 1961 - 1981 IN A NUTSHELL: They are cynical, pessimistic and skeptical. Most loyal population in the workplace – but to PEOPLE, not companies. “ Prove it to me” attitude. Florida Apartment Association

38. Gen X-ers as Team Members MANAGING – make it fun; don’t micro-manage; answer the questions “What have you done lately? Why are you qualified?”; emphasize back-up plans ORIENTATION – emphasize life balance; limit corporate politics; clearly explain expectations; answer “Why?” OPPORTUNITIES – stress broad range of diverse skills DEVELOPMENT – on-the-job training MOTIVATING – leading edge technology; time is a currency; MENTORING – virtual teamwork; time alone Florida Apartment Association

39. Coaching and Managing Gen X-ers Put all the options on the table Be prepared to answer “WHY” Present yourself as an information provider Use their peers for testimonials whenever possible Florida Apartment Association

40. Coaching and Managing Gen X-ers Appear to enjoy your work – “carpe diem” Follow-up and meet your commitments. They’re eager to improve and expect you to follow through. Florida Apartment Association

41. Millenials (“Nexters”): 1982 – 1999 75 Million People – 10% in Workforce September 11, 2001 Oklahoma City bombing Columbine massacre Threat of renegade nuclear countries Respect for environment Immigration restricted ADD era National epidemics – Ebola, AIDS, etc. Clinton/Lewinsky Virginia Tech Florida Apartment Association

42. Millenials: 1982 – 1999 Core Values Optimism Civic duty Confidence Achievement Sociability Morality Street smarts Diversity Florida Apartment Association

43. Millenials: 1982 – 1999 Generational Personality Coddled since birth – protected by parents Over-scheduled Never known depression – until recently. Never known a world without PC’s, cell phones, remote controls Torn between individuality and fitting in Don’t want to be hurried and will take the time to search for an answer. Florida Apartment Association

44. Millenials: 1982 – 1999 MARKINGS : Polyester, pagers, texting, retro. SPENDING STYLE : Spend your parents’ money as fast as you can. WHAT THEY READ : Series: Goosebumps, Baby Sitters’ Club, Matt Christopher, American Girls, Chat Room Conversation THEIR HUMOR : Calvin and Hobbes Florida Apartment Association

45. Millenials on the Job ASSETS : Collective action Optimism Tenacity Heroic spirit Multi-tasking capabilities Techno-savvy LIABILITIES : Need for supervision and structure Inexperience, particularly with handling difficult people issues Florida Apartment Association

46. Millenials: 1982 - 1999 IN A NUTSHELL: Currently age 26 and younger. Adulthood taking longer. Want instant gratification. Are very aware of the world and very technologically literate. Loyal and consider a company’s altruistic attitude and culture. See personal fulfillment from their jobs, not necessarily financial security – yet. Florida Apartment Association

47. Millennials as Team Members MANAGING – trust central authority; their world has immediacy; help them itemize and prioritize; no nebulous time frames ORIENTATION – teamwork ethic; devote plenty of time; “How can I help you get where you want to go?” OPPORTUNITIES – Resilient; tech-savvy DEVELOPMENT – continued education; intimidated by difficult customers; bursts of short and quick information; help them achieve their goals MOTIVATING – need more supervision/structure; recognize the individual but understand their “herd” mentality; MENTORING – appoint a strong leader Florida Apartment Association

48. Coaching and Managing Millenials Offer customization – a plan specific to them Offer peer-level examples Spend time providing information and guidance Be impressed with their decisions Florida Apartment Association

49. Generational Differences Veterans – 1925 to 1942 Uncomfortable with ambiguity Slow to embrace technology Stable, detail-oriented, thorough, loyal, hard-working Won’t speak up if they disagree Baby Boomers – 1943 to 1960 Service-oriented Driven Good team players Not budget-minded More process than results oriented Workaholics Work ethic = “worth ethic” Florida Apartment Association

50. Generational Differences Generation X – 1961 to 1981 Adaptable Techno-literate Not intimidated by authority “ Just tell me if this is going to be on the test” Cynical and impatient Poor people skills Millennial – 1982 to 1999 Optimistic Tenacious Heroic spirit Multi-taskers Need supervision and structure Huge conflict between Gen X-ers and Gen Y-ers Rattled by in-your-face conflict Florida Apartment Association

51. Cross Generational Communication

52. Generational Interaction Veterans and Boomers may have a tendency not to question or challenge authority or the status quo. This may cause confusion and resentment among the X-ers and Millennials who have been taught to speak up. Florida Apartment Association

53. Generational Interaction X-ers and Millennials who have had different life experiences and communicate with people differently, may fail to actively listen to Boomers and Veterans, thereby missing valuable information and guidance. Florida Apartment Association

54. When Generations Fail to Communicate May impact turnover rates May impact tangible costs (i.e., recruitment, hiring, training, retention) May impact intangible costs (i.e., morale) May impact grievances and complaints May impact perceptions of fairness and equity Florida Apartment Association

55. Feedback style and form can be impacted by generational differences . Florida Apartment Association Generational Feedback

56. GENERATIONAL FEEDBACK VETERANS – “No news is good news.” BOOMERS – “Feedback once a year and lots of documentation. X-ERS – “Sorry to interrupt you, but how am I doing?” MILLENIALS – “Feedback whenever I want it at the push of a button.” Florida Apartment Association

57. Feedback styles that may appear informative and helpful to one generation might seem formal and “preachy” to another. Feedback that an X-er thinks is immediate and honest can seem hasty or even inappropriate to other generations. Some older generations have been told that there is a time and place for feedback. Younger generations haven’t necessarily been taught this “rule.” Florida Apartment Association Feedback Style and Impact

58. Veterans seek no applause but appreciate a subtle acknowledgement that they have made a difference. Boomers are often giving feedback to others but seldom receiving, especially positive feedback. X-ers need positive feedback to let them know they’re on the right track. Millennials are used to being praised and may mistake silence for disapproval. They need to know what they’re doing right and what they’re doing wrong. Florida Apartment Association Generational Meaning of Feedback

59. Valuing Differences Information flows in all directions in a company or on a property. The most successful managers find a way to let every generation be heard. They recognize that no one has all the answers. This appreciation of diversity allows each group to contribute and be a part of the growth and success of your company or property. Florida Apartment Association

60. Florida Apartment Association On-the-Job Strengths VETERAN BOOMER GEN X-ER MILLENIAL Job Strength Stable Service Team player Adaptable Techno-literate Multi-task Techno-savvy Outlook Practical Optimistic Skeptical Hopeful Work Ethic Dedicated Driven Balanced Determined View of Authority Respectful Love/Hate Unimpressed & Unintimidated Polite Leadership By Hierarchy By Consensus By Competence By Pulling Together Relationships Personal Sacrifice Personal Gratification Reluctant to Commit Inclusive Turnoffs Vulgarity Not Being PC Cliché/Hype Promiscuity Diversity Segregated Integrated Diverse Blended Feedback No news Formal By interruption Perpetual Work/Life Balance Need Help Shifting Workaholics Want Balance Now Need Flexibility