Generation X And Y

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

Challenges in creating a collaborative environment

The diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and technological abilities has created a challenge for nursing because these differences influence each individual's expectations of nursing as a profession.

Much of the large arrival of people into nursing has been fueled by the expected nursing shortage. This shortage, anticipated starting within the next 10-15 years, along with the economy and lost employment has elevated nursing to be a desired and viable employment opportunity.

Most of the currently employed nursing workforce (baby boomers) has been employed in the field of nursing for more than 15 years. They bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience but they oppose change. They are people who for the most part are not computer savvy. They can recall having worked many off shifts, weekends, and holidays. They had many years of being unable to take a summer vacations due to staffing needs. They in essence have paid their dues.

The new nurse, many whom are of the X and Y generations, often adopt nursing profession with different expectations of what their nursing experience should be. They often feel that although the benefits of the senior staff are well earned, they should not be able to enjoy all the benefits exclusively but should compromise and "share the wealth."

It is essential for nurses that they make compromises. These compromises will attract and maintain the new nursing staff, but will impinge on the well earned "benefits" of the experienced nurses.

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.