Demographic change. Generation X, Y and Z. And each of these generations brings new demands to the world of work. But how big are the differences between the generations? And how do you satisfy one generation without neglecting the others?
So different, and yet so similar?
First, however, a brief overview: At the moment, we are talking about four different generations on the labor market. The Baby Boomers (born around 1946 - 1964) are considered to be diligent and loyal workers. In contrast, for Generation X (ca. 1965 - 1980), work takes a less important part in their lives. While they are considered career-oriented and ambitious, they still desire a work-life balance. The next generation (ca. 1980 - 2000) is called Generation Y or Millenials. For them, the meaning of work sometimes becomes of high importance, as self-actualization is one of the main goals of this generation. The Millenials are the first to grow up with digitalization and are therefore no longer greatly disturbed by a constantly changing world. Soon to be in the job market as well is Generation Z (ca. 2000 - 2010). For this generation, mobile technology has become a natural part of their everyday lives. Interestingly, however, they again prefer a stronger separation between work and leisure.
We will take up more on the new generations and especially their social media behavior in further blog posts.
But back to this post: Of course, such divisions into generations are always just constructs that can never be transferred 1:1 to every member of the generation in question. And besides - are the different generations really so different in what they want at work?
Changing lifestyles call for changing work environments.
Above all, it is worthwhile to address the different needs of the individual generations. Not only to target the right generation when looking for employees, but also to keep the employees already hired satisfied.
What's clear is that Generations Y and Z are a lot more tech-savvy than previous generations, and therefore expect their employer to have a lot to offer them on the tech front. But it's not just these generations that find technology helpful. According to a global study, 72 percent of working Generations Y and Y each believe that digital processes from companies are important. Something where there is still a lot to improve from the company side, as the jacando study revealed.
This includes social media, for example: If a company doesn't use the web to present itself, it has little chance of anchoring itself in the minds of young talent.
Of course, because the generation that is new to the job market has always been surrounded by technology and also lives privately in a highly networked world.
What is it about the prejudices?
It may be true that the younger generation is more tech-savvy and that companies are adapting more and more in this regard.
But what about the other - perhaps somewhat exaggerated - prejudices? The media like to attack Generation Z in particular and put them in a bad light, and it seems as if they don't want to work and only ever want free time.
However, a study has shown that there is not so much that is new about the other job requirements, even among the young: according to the Handelszeitung, the greatest fear of the younger generations is not having the opportunity for further development.
So the younger generations don't want to work less - they just want it to be different. They want their job to fit their personality, to be completely separable from their private free time, or to have an innovative working time model.
Doesn't sound so different from older employees, does it?
Pigeonholing is not advisable.
The boundaries between the generations are blurred and not only differences can be observed, but also similarities. Ultimately, therefore, each employee must be considered individually, and in working life, too, no person and certainly no generation can be pigeonholed. In addition, before all the discussion about Generation Y and Z, the older generation should also be considered, as this article has already shown.
And let's be honest: Fun at work, varied work and the opportunity to develop further; that's what most employees want - across all generations!