Event illuminates impacts of generational differences on workforce relations

Dr. Melissa Furman presented at USC Aiken on Wednesday, Feb. 5 to answer one specific question: what is the difference between the generations and how do they impact the workforce?

Furman discussed the differences between generational mindsets, characteristics and communication styles. She also goes into detail on each generation, including Veterans, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y (Millennials) and Generation Z.

She started the speech by stating how important it is for young professionals and future graduates to understand the mindset of each generation in the work field. 

There are currently five different generations in the workforce right now. She mentioned that each generation is born in a certain period, so they have a different lens on how they see the world based on the historical occurrences that happen in their childhood. She also mentions that this is an American concept.

These are a few facts about each generation that Furman mentions in her speech.

The Veteran generation are aged 74 and higher and lived through World War II and The Great Depression. Their aspirations included home-owning as a major achievement, and they prefer face to face communication. 

Currently, Veterans take up 3% of the workforce.

Baby Boomers were discussed next. Baby Boomers are aged from 55 to 73 and they have lived through the Cold War, the Vietnam War and the Rock and Roll era.

Boomer aspirations include job security. 

Boomer’s also take up more space in the workforce, 11 times higher than Veterans. Their communication preference is also face to face, but also email. 

Generation X lived during the Berlin Wall and are aged from 39 to 54. 

In this generation, there is a high divorce rate and greater independence. Generation X prioritizes career success and is considered the hardest group to work for. They take up less space in the workforce than Baby Boomers, ranking at 28%.

Generation Y, or Millennials, experienced 9/11 and global warming, which is still a current issue. Generation Y are aged from 23 to 38, and their aspirations include freedom and flexibility, according to Furman. Generation Y also happens to take up 36% of the workforce. 

The final generation Furman discussed was Generation Z. 

They are aged from as young as 0 to 22. 

This generation has experienced terrorism, the first black president, a rise in social media and climate change.

For Generation Z, they aspire security and stability as a whole.

Currently, there is an unknown percentage in the workforce.

In the end, Dr. Furman gave a message toward specifically Generation Z and alumni at USC Aiken who are soon going to enter the work fields:

“Build relationships with the Millennials, they are highly relational. So, they expect you to be informal flexibility. Build a relationship with that generation.”