by: Chris Zoller, Extension Educator, ANR in Tuscarawas County
We hear about and read labels for different generations and we know there are differences among them. What do the differences mean if you are managing people from different generations? Depending upon the publication you read or with whom you speak, there may be a slight difference in birth start and end years, but the following table provides some general guidelines.
| Generation Name | Births Start | Births End | Age Range |
| Baby Boomer | 1946 | 1964 | 72 – 54 yrs. old |
| Generation X (the lost generation) | 1965 | 1985 | 53 – 33 yrs. Old |
| Generation Y (Millenials) | 1980 | 1994 | 38 – 24 yrs. Old |
| Generation Z
(the unknown) |
1995 | 2012 | 23 – 6 yrs. Old |
| Generation Alpha | 2013 | 2025 | 5 |
Each generation has its thoughts, beliefs, and ideals with respect to a number of items. What are the differences with respect to employment? It’s not accurate or fair to say that every person who falls into a particular generational category is the same. However, general statements can be made about each generation.
Generational Differences:
| Baby Boomers | Generation X | Generation Y | |
| Business Focus | Long Hours | Productivity | Contribution |
| Work Ethic & Values | Loyal
Question authority Strive to be their best Value ambition, collaboration, equality, personal growth, & teamwork Work efficiently Want respect from younger workers Willing to take risks |
Care more about work/life balance
Work/family balance is important Like a casual work environment Outcome oriented Output focused Rely on technology Work ethic no longer mandates 10 hr. work days Criticized for not being loyal to a particular job/employer |
Believe technology allows them to work flexibly
Work ethic no longer mandates 10 hr. work days High expectation to be mentored Goal oriented Looking for meaningful work Obsessed with career development Prefer diversity, informality, technology, and fun Thrive on collaboration Training is important |
| Preferred Work Environment | Humane
Equal opportunity Warm, friendly |
Functional, positive, & fun
Fast paced & flexible Access to leadership Access to information |
Collaborative
Creative Positive Diverse Fun, flexible, want continuous feedback |
|
Work is… |
Exciting A career Work & then retire |
Difficult challenge Just a job |
A means to an end Fulfillment Flexible work arrangements |
|
What They are Looking for in a Job |
Ability to “shine”
Make a contribution Team approach Need clear and concise job expectations |
Dynamic leaders
Cutting edge with technology Flexible scheduling Input valued on merit, not age/seniority Must see the reason for the task |
Want to be challenged
Treated with respect Friendly environments Flexible scheduling Expect to be paid well Want to make a difference As a product of the “drop down and click menu”, may need to be given options |
| Work Ethic | Driven
Workaholic – 60 hr. weeks Quality |
Balance
Not work long hours Self-reliant Skeptical |
Ambitious
What’s next? Multitasking Entrepreneurial |
| View on Work/Life Balance | Hesitant to take time off – result is an imbalance between work & family | More focus on maintaining a balance
Don’t worry about losing their place if they take time off |
Flex time, job sharing
Balance work, life, and community involvement |
(Source: www.wmfc.org/uploads/GenerationalDifferencesChart)
So what does this mean for agricultural employers?
- The Baby Boomer generation is reaching retirement age.
- Generations X and Y have a different outlook on work and family life as compared to previous generations. The more recent generations place a greater value on maintaining a balance between family and work. Workers in these generations are less likely to willingly work extra hours. They are not workaholics like the Baby Boomer generation.
- Flexibility is a key word when it comes to Generation X and Y. Members of this generation want to be able to attend their son or daughter’s baseball game or have dinner with their family and then return to work.
- Money may not be the motivating factor for some in Generation X or Y. Members in these groups often want flex scheduling, to collaborate with others, and not perform routine tasks.
- Generations X and Y have a greater focus on technology. This can be a real plus to a farm as the use of technology grows. These generations are much more familiar with and accepting of technology.
- Generations Z and Alpha are too young to make any conclusions. However, we do know that these generations are heavily focused on technology. Stay tuned…
The article is an introduction to the topic of understanding the differences across the generations. Each generation brings with it challenges and opportunities. As you think about your next employee or the next generation to enter your business, what factors must you consider? Use the information provided here as you plan for additions to your farm team.
(Sources: www.wmfc.org/uploads/GenerationalDifferencesChart; https://www.forbes.com/sites/deeppatel/2017/09/21/8-ways-generation-z-will-differ-from-millennials-in-the-workplace/#34be355576e5)
(Note: This article was published originally in the Farm and Dairy, July 26, 2018)