© Shutterstock

Five generations -

The five generations currently in the workforce are traditionalists, baby boomers, Generation X, millennials, and Generation Z.

© Shutterstock

Traditionalists -

Traditionalists were born between 1925 and 1945. They are considered to be very dependable, straightforward, tactful, and loyal.

© Shutterstock

Shaped by -

These individuals experienced life-altering events like the Great Depression and World War II, as well as major technological advancements such as the television. 

© Shutterstock

Motivated by -

Traditionalists are often motivated professionally by the opportunity to earn respect and recognition as well as to provide long-term value to a company.

© Shutterstock

Communication style -

Instead of firing off a quick email to this group, consider something more personal such as a small, handwritten note. They will appreciate the time and extra effort you took to connect with them.

© Shutterstock

Worldview -

In terms of worldview, traditionalists value obedience instead of individualism and think that age is equivalent to seniority. They also see advancing through the hierarchy at work as an important goal.

© Shutterstock

Baby boomers -

Baby boomers were born between 1946 and 1964. Optimistic in nature, these individuals are considered team-oriented workaholics.

© Shutterstock

Shaped by -

Major events that shaped the lives of baby boomers include the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, and Watergate.

© Shutterstock

Motivated by -

Company loyalty, teamwork, and duty are three staples that motivate this generation at work. 

© Shutterstock

Communication style -

Baby boomers will communicate in whatever means is most efficient, this can include phone calls or face-to-face meetings.

© Shutterstock

Worldview -

In terms of worldview, baby boomers feel that true achievement only comes after one's dues have been paid and that you must truly sacrifice in order to achieve success.

© Shutterstock

Generation X -

Born between 1965 an 1980, Generation X is considered the flexible, informal, skeptical, and independent generation. 

© Shutterstock

Shaped by -

Gen X witnessed things like the fall of the Berlin Wall, the dot-com boom, and the AIDs epidemic.

© Shutterstock

Motivated by -

For Gen Xers, diversity, work-life balance, and their personal-professional interests trump a company's interests.

© Shutterstock

Communication style -

The most efficient method of communication is what calls to Gen X. This can include phone calls and/or face-to-face interactions.

© Shutterstock

Worldview -

This group tends to favor diversity and is quick to move on if their current employer is hesitant or fails to meet their needs. Additionally, they are resistant to change at work if it affects aspects of their personal lives.

© Shutterstock

Millennials -

Millennials are those born between 1981 and 2000. They are competitive, civic, and open-minded, as well as achievement-oriented. 

© Shutterstock

Shaped by -

The worldview of millennials was shaped in part by the tragedies associated with Columbine and 9/11. Also, the coming of age of the internet meant that more information than ever before was becoming available at the touch of a button.

© Shutterstock

Motivated by -

Millennials are motivated by responsibility and the quality of their manager. They also crave unique work experiences.

© Shutterstock

Communication style -

For millennials, instant messages, text, and emails are the favored methods of communication.

© Shutterstock

Worldview -

The millennial worldview involves seeking challenge, growth, and development. They want an exciting, fun work experience and work-life balance. They're willing to leave an organization if it doesn't meet these needs.

© Shutterstock

Generation Z -

Born from 2001 to 2020, Generation Z has a global, entrepreneurial spirit and is progressive. Some say they're less focused but perhaps they're just focused on different priorities compared to previous generations. 

© Shutterstock

Shaped by -

Gen Z was affected by life right after 9/11, the Great Recession, and having access to technology from an extremely young age.

© Shutterstock

Motivated by -

This group is motivated by diversity, personalization, individuality, and creativity. 

© Shutterstock

Communication style -

A social-media-driven generation, Gen Z often communicates through posts, tweets, and stories, as well as texts and instant messages when needed.

© Shutterstock

Worldview -

Self-proclaimed digital device addicts and experts, Gen Z values independence and individuality. They prefer working with millennial managers and co-workers who are more innovative.

© Shutterstock

Working together: choose curiosity over judgment -

You'll likely be working, at one point or another, with different individuals from different generations. To help things go as smoothly as possible, choose curiosity. Instead of getting frustrated or even angry, choose to understand one another.

© Shutterstock

Working across generations makes business sense -

If you stop and think about it, your customers likely span many different generations and come from various backgrounds. To really speak to them and understand their unique needs and vantage points, your team should include various generations. 

© Shutterstock

Mentoring is a two-way street -

Typical mentoring often involves someone senior teaching someone more junior about how business works. However, in today's multi-generational workspaces, remember mentoring can also work in the reverse. For example, a junior employee can help a more senior employee learn advanced tech skills.

Sources: (Purdue Global) (Time)

See also: Top tips for diffusing workplace tension

© Shutterstock