How to Relate to and Motivate theNext Generation of Employees
Traditionalists Baby Boomers Generation X Millennials
Born 1925 – 1945
Career Goal Legacy
Motivators Self-worth
Work-Personal Separate
Attitude Formal
“Waste Not, Want Not”
Traditionalists Baby Boomers Generation X Millennials
Born 1925 – 1945 1946 – 1964
Career Goal Legacy Career
Motivators Self-worth Salary – Titles
Work-Personal Separate Less Separate
Attitude Formal Business
“Waste Not, Want Not”
“Live to Work”
Traditionalists Baby Boomers Generation X Millennials
Born 1925 – 1945 1946 – 1964 1965 – 1980
Career Goal Legacy Career “Portable” Career
Motivators Self-worth Salary – Titles Security
Work-Personal Separate Less Separate More Open
Attitude Formal Business Casual
“Waste Not, Want Not”
“Live to Work” “Work to Live”
Traditionalists Baby Boomers Generation X Millennials
Born 1925 – 1945 1946 – 1964 1965 – 1980 1981 - 2006
Career Goal Legacy Career “Portable” Career“Parallel” Careers
Motivators Self-worth Salary – Titles SecurityPersonal Life –
Balance
Work-Personal Separate Less Separate More Open Blended
Attitude Formal Business Casual Very Casual
“Waste Not, Want Not”
“Live to Work” “Work to Live”“Generation
Why”
2015 2020 20250%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
36%50%
75%Other GenerationsMilliennials
Percentage of Millennials in the Workforce
91% of Millennials expect to change jobs every 1-3 years.
Source: Future Workplace “Multiple Generations @ Work” Survey
What can we do to motivate and work together?
Provide Independence
• Share the goal line, but let them call the plays.
• Set clear goals.
• Set expectations upfront.
• Provide constant feedback.
Mentorship
• View education as OUR job, not theirs.
• Want face time.
• Set aside time each day or week to listen and offer guidance.
• Set up a mentorship program with other generations.
Social Interactions
• Don’t see a difference between friend and co-worker.
• Encourage collaborative relationships- working in groups.
• Host social events – celebrations, off-site events, monthly lunches.
• Include a guest(s) – spouse or family.
It’s about the WHY…
• Young people want to be a INVOLVED.
• Core values and mission statements are important.
• See that their job relates to the company goals.
• Making a profit is not enough.
• See organization as flat – not interested in hierarchy.
Share YOUR Why…
• Put your mission and vision upfront and on the wall.
• Discuss vision and motivation during hiring process.
• Explain how each project or task impacts the company goals.
• Encourage discussion and seek input.
• Be transparent.
Our goal is to create a business environment where people WANT to work.
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