This document summarizes the key characteristics of 5 generations currently in today's workforce: Veterans/Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. Each generation is defined by the important historical events that shaped them and the technology they grew up with. The document outlines the ages, size in the workforce, and preferred communication methods of each generation. It concludes by noting that with this multi-generational workforce, respecting differences across generations is important for organizations.

1. Surviving and
Thriving in a
GROWING
Multi-Generational
Workforce
Jennifer Fisher
J.E.N. 3.0
2017

2. R – E – S – P – E – C – T

3. Born 1900-1945

4. Veterans/Traditionalists: Over 68 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

10. Baby Boomers
Born 1946 to 1964

11. • Important events included:
– Man walks on the Moon
– Civil Rights Movement/Women’s Rights
– Woodstock and the 60’s
– Deaths of JFK and Martin Luther King
– Vietnam War begins
• Signature Technology Growing Up: Television
• Approximately 29% in the workforce
– Many preparing for retirement
– 10,000 a day retiring
• Communication Preference: In person, telephone

17. Generation X
Born 1965 to 1979

18. Generation X: 37-50 years old
Important events:
– The Cold War – Ronald Regan
– Challenger Shuttle Explodes on Takeoff
– Fall of the Berlin Wall and Communism in Eastern Europe
– U.S. Troops go to Persian Gulf for the 1st time
– AIDS Identified
Signature Technology Growing Up: Computers
Approximately 34% in the workforce
Communication Preference: Email or text message

19.  Latch-key kids
 Learned to take care of themselves
 Highly independent

26. Millennials
Born 1980 to 1997

27. 20ish to 25 year olds 26 to 37 years olds

28. Older Millennials: 26-37 years old
• Important Events:
– Death of Princess Diana
– Death of Mother Teresa
– Columbine and school shootings
– 9/11
– War begins in Iraq for a 2nd time
Signature Technology Growing Up: Tablets/Smartphones
Approximately 34% total in the workforce
Communication Preference: Text message or social media

34. Younger Millennials: 20-25 years old
• Important Events:
– Grew up during the “Great Recession”
– 9/11 still impacting parenting styles
– War on Terror and weapons of mass destruction
– Mass Shootings
– First African American President
Signature Technology Growing Up: Smart phones,
social media
Approximately 34% total in the workforce
Communication Preference: Text message

46. What Really Make’s
Millennials Different?

53. 94% of Millennials state they
respect older generations

55. Generation Z

57. With so many generations at
work, what does all this mean?

72. Jennifer Fisher
jennifer@jenthreepointzero.com
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