Generational differences in workplace characteristics and values

Generation X and Y

The diverse workforce means that there are multiple generations in the same workplace. Recent research regarding generational differences has found common generational attributes. These generational commonalities may be found in varying degrees, and are not indicative of "all persons of that age grouping."

The traditionalists, born between 1925 and 1945, will stay in a position until they retire and don't always welcome change.

Baby boomers (1946-1964), the largest group, are loyal to their jobs and often have a strong work ethic.

Characteristics of Generation X

Generation X by broadest definition includes those individuals born between 1961 and 1981. The collective persona of Gen Xers (discussed later) is frequently debated and discussed among academicians and marketing experts worldwide. It traditionally applies to North Americans including people from the United States of America, Canada, Australia, and various European countries.

The United States Social Security Administration defines Generation X as "those born roughly between 1964 and 1979, while another federal agency, the U.S. Department of Defense, sets the parameters at 1965 to 1977. General characteristics of generation X are discussed below

1-Generation X individuals (1965-1980) typically do not feel the same loyalty to their job. They often seek immediate rewards and benefits.

2- From the 1960 to 1970, divorce rates in the United States increased 2 times, so the working mothers in the workforce also doubled. It is estimated that 40% of Generation X were latchkey kids who returned home from school to empty houses.

3- Generation X has more of entrepreneurial nature and they were founders of Google, Twitter and the Brazen careerist.

4- Generation X is considered as cynical generation distrusting the authority, government and corporate. Following event happens during period of Generation X

A -Watergate scandal b -Iran contra (1980)

c -Nuclear disasters including three mile island, silk wood / Kerr Mcgee, union carbide and Chernobyl.

4-Generation X was raised in a school that was racially diverse, so they believe more on a racially diverse society.

5- Generation X is also considered as most devoted parents.

Characteristics of Generation Y

1-The 4th generation, Generation Y individuals (1980 -2000) are very technologically oriented. 2-They, just like the Generation X, seek more immediate rewards and benefits from their jobs.

3- As children, Generation Y participated more in team sports and other group activities. They believe more on team work and seek the input from others.

4- They are nurtured by parents, who do not want to repeat the mistakes of their generation. Generation Y is confident, ambitious and achievement oriented

Workforce characteristic of Generation X

Individualistic

Generation X comes from an age when there was rising divorce rate and there was two income family and a faltering economy. Women were joining workforce large numbers so they were latch-key children. So they are independent, resourceful and self sufficient.

Technology adept

They were first generation that grows with the computer, technology was made in their times, so they were more skillful with the technology.

Flexible

They saw tough economic times in the 1980s and saw their workaholic parents lose hard earned positions. Thus Generation X is less committed to one employer and more interested to change jobs.

Workforce characteristics of Generation Y

Attention craving

Generation Y craves attention in the form of feedback and guidance. Generation Y may tend to get more benefit from their mentors.

Team oriented

As children, Generation Y participated more in team sports and other group activities.

Achievement Oriented

Generation Y is ambitious, achievement oriented and confident

How to create cohesive working environment

To achieve a cohesive working environment needs a lot of creativity. It affects things such as vacations and how they are selected, off shift rotations, and has encouraged the creation of "seniority perks." Although these may appear to be small concessions, they require cooperation and understanding on all sided of the seniority staff. It is a work is continually in progress.

The ultimate objective of nurses is the provision of care to all people. How this is accomplished is different for each generation.

Experienced nurses want to go about their job as they always have. They are more goals oriented and are very adept and expert at patient care.

New nurses look for ways to provide patient care while making their jobs more ergonomic, economical and eco friendly. They come with a fresh new view of what their job is, what it entails, and how they will accomplish their goals. They discuss their views eagerly and adamantly.

Experienced nurses find the changes in charting, and the increasing use of computers and technology to be challenging. The new nurse is very skillful in working on the computer and easily accepts the technology that is used in patient care. The changing times have significantly changed the practice of nursing.

Technology is not the only thing that affected nursing.

Patients have changed, and so have their demands of nursing.

Nurses are recognized for, and patients expect that their nurses are experienced and knowledgeable in their specialties. They are expected to be strong advocates for the needs of their patients.

Changes made to patient care with respect to documentation have helped us in assuring and verifying that our patients receive the care they need in an expedient manner. It is the mix of knowledge and expertise on both sides of technology that has helped all of nursing to grow.

The most important for creating cooperative environment is that proper appraisal process should be introduced and proper appeal process should also be introduced so that young nurses do not feel threatened form senior staff. Senior staff should also be protected by giving them respect. Moreover there should be platform which should also take ideas from the junior nurses.