How generational differences will impact America’s aging workforce: strategies for dealing with aging Millennials, Generation X, and Baby Boomers
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/SHR-08-2016-0068 |
| Published date | 14 November 2016 |
| Pages | 250-257 |
| Date | 14 November 2016 |
| Author | Ann Arnof Fishman |
| Subject Matter | HR & organizational behaviour,Employee behaviour |
How generational differences will impact
America’s aging workforce: strategies for
dealing with aging Millennials, Generation
X, and Baby Boomers
Ann Arnof Fishman
Ann Arnof Fishman is
President at Generational
Targeted Marketing LLC,
New York, New York,
USA.
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how generational differences impact America’s
workforce as it changes and to provide strategies for companies to address aging Millennials (born
1982-2000), Generation X (born 1961-1981) and Baby Boomers (born 1943-1960).
Design/methodology/approach –The author’s approach was based on research on behalf of the US
Senate Special Committee on Aging; insights and expertise from her 20 years at the helm of
Generational Targeted Marketing, LLC; her teaching at New York University; her experience working
with clients and organizations in a wide range of diverse industries; and the insights from her book
Marketing to the Millennial Woman.
Findings –Every generation is unique. Practitioners, employers and managers of human resources
(HR) who understand and respect the differences between Millennials, Generation X and Baby
Boomers can develop strategies from a generational point of view and thereby enable these employees
to perform at their peak regardless of age.
Research limitations/implications –Practical examples are given for HR practices in employee
retention, benefits, performance management and review, work-life balance, digital and technology
applications and for meaningful corporate outreaches.
Originality/value –This tried and true approach to dealing with distinct generations in the workplace
leads to increased employee motivation and satisfaction, so that employees not only remain longer at a
job but also are eager and happy to report to work each day; they are more productive; and the
company’s bottom line benefits as a result.
Keywords Aging workforce issues, Baby boomers in the workplace, Gen xers in the workplace,
Generations in the workplace, Millennials in the workplace
Paper type Viewpoint
Generational differences will impact America’s workforce as it ages. It is time for
businesses to take a really hard look at the three generations that make up the
workforce and develop strategies for dealing with each distinct generation. The
generations are Millennials (born from 1982 to 2000); Generation X (born from 1961 to
1981); and Baby Boomers (born from 1943 to 1960).
Every generation is different. Currently, one of the best ways to enable employees to
perform at peak, at any age, is to know all about them – from a generational point of view.
Generational knowledge enables you to better understand and respect their differences, no
matter how surprising or strange you may find them.
In America, every generation is shaped by the historic events that occur during its formative
years. These historic events create unique characteristics that will be tempered by age and
current events but, otherwise, will stay with a generation throughout its lifespan.
Generational characteristics forever impact values, attitudes, lifestyles, and priorities.
PAGE 250 STRATEGIC HR REVIEW VOL. 15 NO. 6 2016, pp. 250-257, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 1475-4398 DOI 10.1108/SHR-08-2016-0068
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