Y’ in the Workplace: A Melting Pot of Expertise by Anastasia C. Today’s workplace is more diverse than melting pot valentine’s day 2021, as most corporations’ demographics span across multiple generations. The dynamic that exists amongst this diversity is both fascinating and challenging.

According to a CIO study, relations among the generations seem to be at a low point. For decades, the Baby Boomer generation defined an entire era and the shape of the US workforce. This generation has held the lion’s share of managerial and c-level roles due to their wealth of experience. There is also a significant gap in the application of technology for corporate communications. Gen X is viewed as independent, as many grew up taking care of themselves due to both parents working, learning to become resourceful, responsible, and self-sufficient. Many in this generation prefer autonomy and flexible work hours and embrace a hands-off management philosophy.

Having grown up with and around technology, Gen X is not afraid to embrace the plethora of new hi-tech innovations, especially mobile technologies that allow them freedom in their work. Email is their go-to tool for communications, and many can be perceived as either blunt or direct. Gen X becomes the natural successor with the experience and knowledge younger generations will need to lean on in order to continue to help businesses succeed. Millennials grew up in a time of relative peace and prosperity. While they grew up in a time of general prosperity, many Millennials were either early in their careers or just entering the workforce around the time of the Great Recession. Few entry-level jobs were available to them when they entered the workforce, which in many cases lead to a slower or stalled launch to their careers.

More than earlier generations, tend to value continued learning, upward mobility, and regular feedback from their employers. They expect the organizations that employ them to be as tech-savvy as they are and to provide technology options that support their mobile lifestyles. As Gen Z enters the workforce in greater numbers, the generation known for their dedication to social responsibility is emerging with high aspirations for their success. Also important to this generation is the notion of working for an organization that operates ethically, sustainably, and is committed to combating societal challenges. Diversity is also a driving factor for Gen Z. Race, gender, and inclusivity are important workplace factors.

When it comes to Gen Z’s workplace preferences, despite being the generation that grew up with smartphones in their hands, they surprisingly tend to prefer in-person work over remote. Since today’s corporate environment is so multi-generationally expansive, many challenges will inevitably arise, but this type of diversity can also bring unexpected benefits to the blended workforce. Recognizing and tapping into the history, experience, and wisdom the Boomer generation has to offer is an excellent mechanism for knowledge transfer and team building, while Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Z can work with Boomers to realize greater efficiencies with mobile technologies. For advice and assistance navigating and increasing the age diversity on your team, reach out to Resource 1. Forbidden You do not have permission to access this document. Y’ in the Workplace: A Melting Pot of Expertise by Anastasia C. Today’s workplace is more diverse than ever, as most corporations’ demographics span across multiple generations.