SECTION VIII AREA S.O.P. 11
HUMAN RESOURCES
THE DIVERSE WORKPLACE
Page 1 of 4
The following is information provided to give you an understanding and insight
into the diverse workplace in regards to generations. This may be helpful in
understanding your workforce.
Silent “Mature” Generation – Born prior to 1942 – Grew up with Mickey Mouse,
Wheaties, Jukeboxes, Flash Gordon, Charlie McCarthy, Babe Ruth, Golden Age
of radio, The Lone Ranger, Tarzan, WWII and the Great Depression.
The silent “mature” generation tend to: Respect authority (even when it
frustrates them), place duty before pleasure, believe patience is its own reward;
are willing to wait for gratification, value honor and integrity, avoid challenging the
system, and maintain dedication to a job once they take it.
Baby Boomers – Born between 1942 – 1962 – Approximately 78 million
Americans – Make up approximately 70% of management employees in U.S.
companies – 2% will financially fit enough to retire at 65. Grew up with Captain
Kangaroo, Fallout shelters, “Laugh-In”, Peace sign, Romper Room, Slinky, Hula
Hoops, Bell Bottoms, Ed Sullivan, Tie Dye and TV Dinners.
The “baby boomers” generation tend to: Live to work, Maintain a general sense
of optimism, enjoy unprecedented influence on government policy and consumer
products, be willing to go into debt, betting on future income, be team and
process-oriented, sometimes to detrimental results, strive for convenience and
personal gratification and preserve their youth and be nostalgic about it.
The “Xers” – Born between 1962 – 1980 – Approximately 48 million Americans
– Make up more than 1/3 or the workforce – Have inherited serious baggage
from the “Boomers” including high public debt, an overloaded social security
system and the burden of financially supporting the largest generation to date. -
Grew up with the Brady Bunch, Izod, Cabbage Patch Kids, Pet Rocks, “Jaws”,
“The Simpson’s”, Microwaves, MTV, Platforms, “Sesame Street” and VCRs.
The “Xers” generation tend to : Work to live; and not live to work, view jobs
within context of a contract, believe in clear, consistent expectations, remain with
a job linger if employer presents opportunities to grow, view money as only part
of the larger equation: contribution to the whole is important, and desire
versatility.
The “Generation Y” – Born between 1980 – 1994 – Approximately 68 million
Americans - Next dominate generation - More afraid of being bored than of being
fired - Known as the generation that is closing the generation gap - They actually
have close relationships with their parents. - Grew up with Barney, POGS, X