2. Objectives
Explore the impact and importance of generational diversity in the workplace
To provide insight and raise awareness around the recruitment, retention, and
engagement of multiple generations.
Understand how generational differences impact all phases of the employee life cycle
To provide recommendations, suggestions and methodology to increase Gen Y
employee satisfaction and retention
Take away practical tips for cross generational engagement - an increasingly important
topic in government
Groups of people born around the same time will have similar characteristics because
certain social, cultural, economic and technological environments remain relatively
consistent for pockets of time.. It is the different perception of the world and the way it
works, formed in response to our environment, that creates differences between one
generation and another.
Peter Sheahan, Generation Y: Thriving and Surviving with Generation Y at Work,
(Australia, 2005)
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3. Discussion
Generational Overview
Recruitment & Retention Lifecycle
Targeted skill assessment and competency building
Knowledge utilization
Feedback/coaching
Retention and engagement
Questions?
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4. Defining the Generations
Generations are defined not by a formal process but by
demographics, the media, popular culture, and market
research
Generations are shaped by shared childhood
experiences and then defined by early-adulthood
actions
The specific cultural impacts that shape the
generations vary some by geography, but the resulting
traits of each are similar
Multiple terms are used to define each generation
Ranges of dates may vary a bit
Not intended to stereotype, but to understand some
predominantly common traits
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5. Urgency in Government for a
Cross Generational Focus
Source: OPM FedStats
How do you apply many of these attributes to government and the public sector?
Government certainly has more limitations than companies do when trying to implement some of these ideas. So its
important to pick the ones that can be most easily implemented. For example, theres no reason a public sector
employee cant join the online conversation by starting a blog or commenting on other government-related blog posts.
Also, public sector organizations can still create unique and cool career sites for recruits. However, the most important
thing public sector employers can do is loosen up! Government has a reputation for being a boring place to work. Tear
down the cubicles (or at least the top walls) and encourage people to collaborate and socialize productively. Bring
employees out to team lunches and create opportunities for your Gen Y people to organize social events, like after
hours dinners or intramural sports teams.
Deloittes Millennial Fact Sheet14
http://www.deloitte.com/dtt/cda/doc/content/us_consulting_millennialfactsheet_080606.pdf
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7. Negative
Recruitment & Retention Lifecycle
Employee leaves the
firm
No understanding of
Out Hire culture, role and
Lack of trust and responsibilities,
safety, lack of The Door expectations,
targeted increase in priorities, and style
competencies
Not Offer Unclear
Coaching Communication
Untimely/ Dont Assess
Feelings of not being
No Feedback competent or significant
Negative assumption,
lack of opportunity for
growth and development Mis-Target Unprepared,
overwhelmed and
potentially unsuccessful
Under Utilize
Knowledge and interests are
going to waste, over
Scott Span, MSOD promised. 7
8. Cross Generational View
Baby Boomers Generation X Gen Y
Leadership Management Employee
Born during 1946 1964 Born during 1965 1978 Born after 1979 ( pre 2000)
Accept authority figures Like informality Question authority
Strong commitment, give Loyalty is to self and Smart" workers (little effort
maximum effort building skills for maximum result)
Workaholics; live to work Work to live; seek work/life Not as interested in climbing
balance the corporate ladder
Money buys experiences
and freedom Less confidence in long- Money is necessary for
term rewards and greater maintaining luxurious
Change jobs but usually expectations for short-term lifestyles
stay within same industry rewards
Integrated work and
Not only change jobs, but personal lives leading to
move across industries "living all the time
Prolific entrepreneurs Pursue self-improvement;
value life-long learning 8
9. Generational Similarities
All to often we only focus on differences when working
with diversity
Certain fundamental human needs, similarities, exist
amongst all generations and demographics:
Competence
Significance
Communication (feeling heard)
Trust
Valued
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10. Work Preferences
Matures Boomers Gen X Gen Y
Opportunity to Fun, fast paced, virtual,
Discipline, Hard work Individual Success,
Environment contribute, autonomy learn rapidly and make a
and Teamwork wealth and loyalty
and move quickly difference
Style Seniority, rules driven Corporation driven Question the norm Entrepreneurial
Expertise and Want their hard work Want the company to Want to value their own
Value
Experience valued value their contributions contributions
Time Timeliness Face Time Results driven Virtual
Hours 9 - 5 Dusk to Dawn What do you mean 8 - 6? Work until work is done
Drivers To Build a Life To Build a BETTER Life Work to Live Better To live a purposeful Life
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11. Recruiting
Baby Boomers
Need to know their experience is valued, that they can make a
difference and excel
Discuss future goals and career path
Develop a personal rapport
Gen-X
Offer balance and fun (hours, flexibility, environment)
Be merit not tenure based
Offer multi-tasking and hands-off supervision
See change as positive offers more opportunities
Gen Y/Millennials
Discuss personal goals and how company can support
Treat recruits as customers
Be prepared for their desire to include peers and parents in
process
Whats in it for me? Communicate mutual value proposition
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12. Work / Life Balance
Baby Boomers
Pride themselves on 60 hr work weeks; Face Time
Now starting to question their work ethic and lack of balance
Gen-X
Seek balance Work to live not live to work; want flexible hours
and telecommuting.
As long as I get the job done, it doesnt matter when or where
Gen Y/Millennials
Similar to Gen X
Have interests outside of work.
Willing to sacrifice promotions for lifestyle
Want to leverage technology to provide flexibility
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13. Training
Boomers
Work hard and youll learn
Need training on how to be a coach to Millennials
Classroom vs. virtual
Gen-X
Training is very important
Want to build diverse skills
Keep materials brief and scannable
Gen Y/Millennials
Enjoy learning
Training reduces stress
Want virtual learning as well as coaching and guidance
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14. Coaching & Feedback
Boomers
Want personal approach
Want to be treated as equals and to be empowered
Coach tactfully
Ask, dont tell
See mentors as providing fast track to promotions
Gen-X
Need constructive feedback but do not like close
supervision
Not impressed by authority
Want mentors to support their career development
Gen Y/Millennials
Need structure and supervision, but do not want to be
directed
Need hands on mentor to provide coaching
Want visibility with senior personnel
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15. Culture & Rewards
Boomers
Titles and status are important
Use personal approach and perks (first class travel, etc)
Give public recognition of accomplishments
Value face to face teamwork
Gen-X
Want informal work environment casual dress, fun
Want ownership in company - stock options
Prefer virtual teamwork; enjoy simultaneous tasks
Want convenience concierge service
Like high-tech perks (best technology)
Gen Y/Millennials
Use personal touch
Understand individual drivers, dont like to be treated like one of many
Reward with out of box benefits
Support community involvement/corporate citizenship 15
16. Summary and
Recommendations
Strive for the positive Recruitment and Retention Lifecycle to
minimize negative impacts
Conduct targeted surveys and focus groups of a cross section of
the workforce to obtain additional data on each area of the cycle
as relates to your organization/agency
Potentially reevaluate your recruitment and retention philosophy
(based upon additional data)
Review recommendations and implement alternate options to
increase engagement, retention, and performance
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17. Summary and
Recommendations Continued
Conduct targeted cross generational surveys
and focus groups employees to obtain
additional data
Reevaluate existing training and delivery
methods for Gen Y employees
Replace some of the existing training:
Adapt existing training delivery formats and
approaches
Provide specific customized training for Gen Y
employees (how to integrate and apply past
experiences and skills within the new
organization/agency)
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18. What Next?
Understand and appreciate the differences between the
generations
Develop cross generational dialogue
Provide coaching and training at all levels not just to leaders
Understand what drives your people and then tailor what
you do (performance feedback, recognition, rewards,
mentoring)
Leverage what works
Provide connections with leaders and personal touch
Listen and TAKE ACTION on feedback from surveys or site
visits
Offer opportunities to influence outcomes that affect them
Vigorously support flexibility, virtual work, and community
involvement
COMMUNICATE!
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19. Conclusion
"people want a life and Generation Y are calling
for it the loudest. When they don't get it, they
talk with their feet
Generation Y: Thriving and Surviving with Generation Y at Work
by Peter Sheahan, Australia 2005
What questions do you have?
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20. Contact Information
Scott H. Span, MSOD
President
Tolero Solutions
Organizational Development & Change Consulting
Facilitating Sustainable Growth
www.tolerosolutions.com
Email: scott.span@tolerosolutions.com
Twitter: SSpanTolero
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/scottspan
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22. Baby Boomers (1946-1964)
Key defining events: End of World War II, Moon Landing,
Assassination of JFK, Civil Rights movement, Vietnam
War, Television, Korean War and Vietnam, Rock n Roll,
Polio Vaccine, Woodstock
Many current leaders externally and in our organization
Optimistic, team players, workaholics, supermom/dad
Defined by their jobs; Success is visible
Divorce becoming more common
Tend to be more conservative
Passion for personal and social improvement, the civil
rights generation
Will begin retiring in 2010
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23. Generation X (1965-1978)
Key Defining Events: Watergate, AIDS, Energy Crisis, Cold War,
Persian Gulf War; Corporate Downsizing, Family TV shows, Movies
with G to R ratings, Oil embargo, Inflation and Recession, Womens
Rights Movement, Oral Contraceptives, Political Corruption
Leaders; todays managers, mentors, and project leads
Increased divorce rates both parents and selves
Women enter workforce in mass
Former latchkey kids, independent
Self-reliant, confident, highly educated, multi-taskers
Cynical and pessimistic
Work hard, play hard mentality
Independent; no strong political affiliations
Tech jobs, competitive, hard-working entrepreneurs
Embrace risk and free agency
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24. Gen Y / Millennials (born since
1979)
Key Defining events: Afghanistan and Iraq War, War on Terror, Fall
of the Berlin Wall, Oklahoma City Bombing, Video gaming, Social
Networking (mySpace, IM, Text, email), Anthrax, OJ Simpson,
School Violence, Widespread Use of Technology (internet, music
downloads, cell phones, cable)
Strongly impacted by the economic prosperity of the 1990s
Children of Soccer moms and Little League dads; viewed as
coddled and confident
Parents are strong advocates, including into college and workforce
Most medicated generation
Highly educated, creative, resourceful, believe they can do anything
Technically very savvy
Aware socially, environmentally, ethically
Lifestyle very important
Expect purpose and meaning in their life
Entering the workforce today
- Gen Y and Millennials share similar characteristics - 24
25. A Closer Look at Gen Y &
Millennials
Looking for work/life balance, flex work, virtual work; want control
Do not want to be defined by their job
Easily bored, impatient
At work, expect new challenges, promotion opportunities, constant
change, and FUN
Like to feel empowered and have real responsibility
Want to be coached and nurtured (but not overly directed or
controlled)
Need expectations to be clear and to be held accountable
Need to feel a sense of belonging, to be involved; need a personal
connection and to be treated as an individual
Need fair compensation, to be treated fairly, recognized and valued
Want their employer to increase their employability and invest in
development
Want to do 'cutting edge' work
Place high value on having a competent manager
Motivation is very individual, one size fits all will not work 25
26. Next Generation Talent Management:
Hewitt Associates
Five Workforce Trends You Can Count On:
Smaller and Less Sufficiently Skilled
In industrialized nations, smaller, middle-aged population segments and early retirements are substantially reducing the size
of working-age populations
By 2016, Generation Y (born 1977-1994) will have fully entered the workforce, however, they will not possess the skills that
older workers who have left the workforce did, creating a skill gap
Increasingly Global
Worker mobility and migration are gaining momentum
Currently 他 of jobs off shored are from America, but other countries are expected to join this trend
Off shoring is creating a lot of opportunity in Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia
Highly Virtual
Technology is completely redefining the concepts of workplace and workday
By 2008, the number of employers with no employees working from home on a regular basis is predicted to drop from 46%
to 20%
Virtual co-working is on the rise
Vastly Diverse
There are more generations in the workforce than ever before. Workers are entering the workforce earlier and staying longer
Women and minorities are making up increasing amounts of the workforce
Lifestyles and life patterns are also more diverse (on and off ramps)
Autonomous and Empowered
Workers have the capacity and the desire to be more influential on the job
Workers have more authority on the job market
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