POPULAR STEREOTYPES ABOUT DIFFERENT GENERATIONS IN THE WORKPLACE
The chances are you work with people from four different generations: Baby boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Zers or Zoomers. These different cohorts are a neat way to categorise people who have lived through the same period of time. The idea is that they may have similar values, outlooks and behaviours as a result of sharing similar experiences. You might hear things like ‘Boomers just want to retire’ or ‘Millennials are entitled and lazy.’ But how true are these popular stereotypes about different generations in the workplace?
Boomers just want to retire
Baby boomers are those born between 1946 and 1964 during the baby boom that followed the end of World War 2. They are often labelled as hard-working, technophobic, resistant to change, conservative and rolling in money. And there is a common assumption that they just want to retire – or that they should retire. The reality is very different: many boomers continue to work. In fact, 13% of those over 65 are active in the workforce today, compared to 8% in 2006. For some, this is because they want and need the extra income; for others, it’s the opportunity to stay engaged and add value in their workplace. And let’s not forget the thousands of boomers who work as unpaid caregivers, whether they look after grandchildren or a family member.
Gen X are world-weary and disengaged
Gen Xers are those people born between 1965 and 1980. They have lived through significant events, including the AIDS epidemic, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the space shuttle Challenger disaster. They have also had to deal with massive developments in technology. A typical Gen Xer may have spent their youth listening to, and making, radio cassettes. Only to find themselves swept up by the rise of the personal computer and Internet. Given the social, technological and economic upheaval they’ve experienced, is it any surprise that some Gen Xers are tired and seeking to extract themselves from the world around them? Or a surprise to learn the positive traits that may have been influenced by what they have lived through? Such as resourcefulness, independence, adaptability and a strong work ethic.
Millennials are entitled and lazy
Millennials are the cohort that follows Gen X. They were born between 1981 and 1996 in the period marked by the September 11 attacks, the invasion of Iraq and the technology boom. They are often accused of being entitled and lazy. This may be because they take a very different approach to work than their predecessors. Many millennials value work-life balance, flexible work schedules, and job satisfaction. And they’re not afraid to move around until they find what suits them. Finally, let’s not forget the huge of amount of technology Millennials have had access to. Perhaps they’re not lazy, but adept at using technology to do things for them.
Gen Z are over-reliant on technology
Gen Zers or Zoomers were born between 1997 and 2012. Their life experience has been shaped by key events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of social media and smartphones, and a growing focus on climate change and big social movements like Black Lives Matter. While some of their cohort are still at school or going through higher education, by 2030 Gen Zers will represent around 30% of the Australian workforce. They have been immersed in technology, often from a very young age. They know their way around it and likely expect to find and use the latest tech in the workplace. So, yes, it may appear that they are over-reliant on technology. When it comes to career aspirations, they’re after a competitive salary and career advancement. But Gen Zers also place great importance on integrity, transparency and social responsibility and look for companies that align with these values.
Generational cohorts are a fascinating way to gain insights into a group of people born during a certain period of time. Shared events and experiences do shape our beliefs and values and impact our behaviour and attitudes. But it’s important not to let stereotypes take over. There are limits to how much someone’s cohort can tell us about them as an individual or a potential employee.
We welcome job applicants from every generational cohort! Contact our professional team today on info@optimalrecruitment.com.au or 02 8416 4181.
