An Explanation of Why Generational Differences are Important at Work

While college grads enter the job force, they work alongside others and notable generational differences are evident. The differences of these generations should be managed, meaning managers and owners need to take notice and figure out what to do about the differences. The generations consist of four categories and it is important to understand how to manage all of them.

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator explains the different personality types and many businesses know about it. Training customer service reps on the different personality types are what companies often do; this is to communicate with the customers better. As there are different personalities, there are different generations, all can contribute to a company's profit as long as they realize these differences. There is no manual for better management of generational differences however there are many reasons why each one should be hired.

Businesses can run better because in these times, technology is combined with running a business. The new technologies come easy for Generation X and the Millenniums and they will have new insight for the business. There is evidence of the distinct generational differences as Traditionalists and Baby Boomers aren't up-to-date and they can learn from other generations. New insight will arise while these generations work together to make the company better.

Additionally, having these generational differences in the office can provide insight for everybody. The outlook about employee loyalty is different between generations; traditionalist and Baby Boomers have this loyalty while the other two do not. The younger generations need jobs that are not routine so businesses need to find methods to keep them busy. On the other hand, Traditionalists and Baby Boomers don't like change, especially if there is nothing wrong with the process, but everyone can get through it by working together.

There are good reasons to have different generations together working, such as different views, attitudes and expectations. The workplace having much diversity is beneficial, more ideas and solutions will arise. Baby Boomers and Traditionalists have wisdom and experience they can teach others. Whereas Generation X and Millenniums are taught the new ways of running a business so everyone can learn from one another.

Gapping the generations in the office can be hard but is beneficial. Some employee training about these factors is important for upper management to address. People are working longer because they are living longer and the apparent generational differences can be beneficial if managed properly.