This is the first time in history that there have been four different generations working side-by-side in the workplace. They are the Veterans (1922-1943), the Baby Boomers (1943-1960), the Generation Xers (1960-1980), and the Nexters (1980-2000).
Lets break it down with some workplace characteristics!
| 1.) Veterans >hard work/see work as an obligation
>respect
authority
>formal communication
style
>interact
individually
>experience
is respected
>neither
work or family shall meet
2.) Baby
Boomers
>work all
the time & work efficiently
>question authority
>see work
as an exciting adventure
>interact as a team
player-love meetings>communicate in person >title recognition >NO balance between work & family: WORK TO LIVE |
3.) Xers >want structure & direction >work is a difficult challenge >work is seen as a CONTRACT >entrepreneur & challenges others
>communicates
directly & immediately
>use cell phones
>Work Life Balance4.) Nexters >digital natives >multitasking
>goal oriented
& tolerant
>work is a
means to an end
>interact
in a participative manner
>communicate
via e-mail & voicemail
>Work Life Balance
|
"Each of these generations are contributes to the productivity of nursing, and each is needed in the workforce despite the potential conflicts that might arise form their differing work ethics" (Huber, 2006, p.800).
"Although four different generations in the workforce can present leadership challenges, the diversity can also add richness and strength to the team if all staff members are valued for their contributions" (Sherman, 2006).
*If the leader can develop the skill to view the generational differences it will allow the leader to adapt their leadership style to enhance quality and productivity, reduce conflict, and maximize the contributions of all staff.
*It is important that all employees are held to the same work expectations, organizational policies, and procedures regardless of generation, but nurse leaders should also consider employee needs and generational differences.
*Ensuring accurate communication between and within each generation is understood and respected will enhance bridging the generational gap in the workforce.
Click HERE for entire article on "Leading a Multigenerational Nursing Workforce: Issues, Challenges and Strategies". This article provides an overview of the generational cohorts and presents strategies that nursing leaders can use to coach and motivate, communication with, and reduce conflict for each generational cohort of nurses.
Click HERE for another great article on "Integrating Generational Perspectives in Nursing". This article will discuss various sources of multigenerational misunderstandings and conclude with a discussion of approaches to strengthen intergenerational work teams. The article will emphasize that learning to appreciate the diverse points of view, leverage the strengths, and value the differences in colleagues from various generations can enable individuals to form creative, adaptable, and cohesive work groups.
I think the opportunity to work in a environment with four different generations can be extremely rewarding if each generation respects the other! There is a vast knowledge base in each generation that can be shared with each other. I personally enjoy working with all generations. I learn just as much from the Veteran and Boomer generations as I do from the Xer and Nexter generations. They each have their own set of skills and experiences that are valuable to me as I am nearing GRADUATION!!! Being a nurse leader can be difficult with the diversity in the workplace, but learning these generational differences can make the relationships between employees and management successful. And as we have all seen HAPPY nurses create less turnover and lower burnout rates!!!
Huber, D. (2006). Leadership and nursing care
management (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier
Sherman, R., (May 31, 2006). "Leading a
Multigenerational Nursing Workforce: Issues, Challenges and Strategies". OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in
Nursing. Vol. 11, No. 2, Manuscript 2
Weston, M., (May 31, 2006) "Integrating
Generational Perspectives in Nursing" OJIN:
The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing Vol. 11 No. 2, Manuscript 1
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