Thanks, All-Gen Humans!
Too much of my work as a generational diversity consultant has focused on the frictions between generations. Sure—challenging stereotypes, misinformation, and half-truths exist and must be overcome to have a truly inclusive workplace. But there are also a lot of similarities among generations, and most importantly, each generation contributes unique gifts to create a thriving, innovative place to work.
Each generation has contributed to our well-belling during COVID-19 with those unique gifts.
Giving Thanks for Generational Differences
Millennials (born 1980-1997) stepped up as soon as the shelter-in-place orders were announced. Millennials had been advocating for remote options as soon as they arrived to the workplace scene. I acknowledged their solution in a LinkedIn post:
Dear Millennials:
Thank you for devising effective ways to work from home.
Despite resistance from managers, you persisted.
You may have mentioned that in case of a public health crisis, remote work can keep us from shutting down. That seemed a little far-fetched.
Now we get it.
Again, thanks for your leadership.
It resonated: 22,819 views of your post in the feed.
Then came the burnout. Thank goodness for Gen X (born 1965-79).
Dear Gen Xers:
We need you to use your workplace superpower: Work-life balance.
You are recognized as the generation that rejected your elders’ obsession with work as the source of one’s self-worth and identity by making sure you had ample time and energy to be with your loved ones. Many of you grew up in single-parent or dual income homes where work did not allow for adequate family time. You experienced hardship, and you corrected it. Bravo.
Now, most of our work is taking place at home, making work-life balance more precarious than ever. How do I leave the office? How do I set boundaries – for myself and my coworkers? What if my leaders are oblivious to the difference between work and private time?
Studies show that a lack of work-life balance is leading to serious burnout right now.
This is your time to lead.
Thanks.
It resonated: 2,899 views of your post in the feed.
Coming Together
Baby Boomers (born 1943-64) have been at their best during this crisis when they have ignored their proclivity to judge, demand, and demean younger generations, and provide the real resource needed now: wisdom—the kind of wisdom that comes from weathering crises and finding meaning in them.
Sure, us Boomers have never experienced a crisis quite like this one, but we’ve been through a lot. And even if we don’t feel the wisdom just rolling off our tongues, the least we can do is listen to their concerns and reassure younger generations that we’re in this with them.
When a younger coworker can hear a leader consistently say, “It’s okay; I’ve got your back,” followed by a personal survival story, loyalty and trust will follow—even if jobs are being cut or a company’s future is in jeopardy. “It’s okay; I’ve got your back,” can be manifested in coaching, encouragement, and resources to solve problems.
Traditionalists (born 1925-42) are living proof that we can survive multiple big challenges and be stronger for it. Most Traditionalists grew up in the Great Depression, and basic survival was job #1 for many. Most men in this generation fought in WWII. They remind us that we are a nation that knows how to fight for the greater good; we take care of each other and we will prevail.
Ushering in the future is Gen Z (born 2001-13). They’re providing the racial, gender, and ethnic diversity needed to resolve disparities and inequities throughout our culture. Diversity of lived experience, perspectives and ideas are the key ingredients to creating a thriving organization and a flourishing world. They’re committed to making this happen and won’t settle for less.
Life-giving Gratitude
All in all, five generations in the workplace are making it an exciting time to be alive.
When has a member of another generation surprised you with unexpected help? When have you been able to help another? Take a moment to thank someone today.
Gratitude. It’s good for you — and it feels good, doesn’t it?