- June 14, 2021
- By Joshua Reid
- Advice , Company Structure , Generation Z
- baby boomers , boomer , boomers , gen z , generation , generation gap , generation x , generation z , workforce
What’s the Difference between Boomers and Gen Z in the Workforce?
Boomers and Generation Z. Two generations that have vastly different life experiences but are both connected by their desire for work. But what are the differences between Boomers and Generation Z when it comes to the workforce? How has the society of each generation shaped how they view their careers?
In an article by Inc5000 titled “Different Motivations for Different Generations of Workers: Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z: An honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work isn’t always the case,” writer John Rampton notes that one difference between Boomers and Generation Z is that Baby Boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, are loyal, work-centric, don’t require constant feedback, and are most importantly, goal-oriented.
“[Boomers] can also be motivated through high levels of responsibility, perks, praise, and challenge” (Rampton).
Gen Z, on the other hand, are usually motivated by “social rewards, mentorship and constant feedback” (Rampton) and expect transparency, clear directions, and structure. What’s interesting about Rampton’s article is that, while he portrays Boomers as work-centric, goal-oriented and not requiring constant feedback, it’s somewhat the opposite for Gen Z: focusing on transparency, clear directions and structure.
Although he may not have intended it to be this way, Rampton shows what each generation values when it comes to the workforce. Loyalty, a work-centric mindset, no constant feedback, goal-oriented, transparency, clear directions, mentorship, constant feedback, and structure are all good values for employees. However, the differences we see between the two generations could be based on when they were born.
Boomers, for example, grew up during or after WW2, the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and more. Thus, when Boomers began to work, they were a generation that one could say defined itself by challenging the status quo, not settling for what they could get. According to an article by Robert Tanner titled “Understanding and Managing the 4 Generations in the Workplace,” Boomers also value team involvement and personal gratification while also being multi-taskers.
“To work effectively with Boomers, show them how they can be an organizational star, provide them with developmental opportunities, and involve them in operational matters” (Robert Tanner).
Generation Z, on the other hand, grew up during the time before or after 9/11, the Great Recession of ’08, and now the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, because Gen Z grew up in a more technological age, they have access to information more readily than Boomers. Thus, when Gen Z began to work, they were a generation focused on individuality above all else. They value being able to stand out in a society that was and is growing increasingly volatile. According to Tanner, in his article “Generation Z: Who Are They and What Events Influenced Them?” Gen Z “is entrepreneurial, socially expecting, environmentally conscious, and realistic. They are well informed and vocal. They value authenticity and individual expression.”
What’s interesting about the differences between Boomers and Gen Z is how their different experiences growing up shaped not only how they viewed work and society, but also how they interacted with the business world. Boomers are goal-oriented, work-centric, and motivated through responsibility whereas Generation Z are entrepreneurial, technologically savvy and good at communication. Both generations bring something to the business world that would be lost if either weren’t a part of it.
Sources
Rampton, John. “Different Motivations for Different Generations of Workers: Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z: An honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work isn’t always the case.” Inc5000, https://www.inc.com/john-rampton/different-motivations-for-different-generations-of-workers-boomers-gen-x-millennials-gen-z.html. Accessed 19 April 2021.
Tanner, Robert. “Understanding and Managing the 4 Generations in the Workplace,” Management is a Journey, https://managementisajourney.com/understanding-and-managing-the-4-generations-in-the-workplace/. Accessed 19 April 2021.
“Generation Z: Who Are They and What Events Influenced Them?,” Management is a Journey, https://managementisajourney.com/generation-z-who-are-they-and-what-events-influenced-them/. Accessed 19 April 2021.
