b'SOCIAL GENERATION COHORTSThe Lost Generation (aka theThe Silent Generation, (aka the Lucky Generation of 1914 in Europe) bornFew) born from 1928 to 1945. This is from 1883 to 1900. Came of age duringthe cohort who came of age in theGeneration X (or Gen X), bornGeneration Z (or Gen Z, Gen Zers or World War I and the Roaring Twenties.postWorld War II era. between 1965 and 1980.Zoomers), born from 1997 to 2012.The Greatest Generation (aka theBaby boomers bornMillennials (or Generation Y) bornGeneration Alpha (or Gen G.I. Generation), born from 1901following World War IIfrom 1981 to 1996. This group gotAlpha) born from the early to 1927. This group came of agefrom 1946 to 1964.the name millennials because2010s to the mid-2020s. First during the Roaring Twenties, thethe oldest of them were enteringgeneration to be born entirely Great Depression and World War II. adulthood at the turn of a newin the 21st century. Gen Alpha is millennium. expected to reach two billion in size by 2025.tion. Millennials prefer work that allows them to express them- they are also using tutorial videos, online classes, and real-world selves creatively, use their talents, and have an impact on others.experience to tailor their learning to their unique, personal goals.They grew up in the digital age. Early versions of wifi wereThey want stability as well as flexibility. Events such as the available as early as 1990, so millennials grew up with the internetGreat Recession and the student loan crisis have prompted and have witnessed the development of technologies from theGeneration Z to prioritize generating security through their start. Many millennials are currently employed at the entry, inter- choices. They want a stable income and benefits, but they also mediate, or mid-level levels. As a result, they are focused on theirwant work environments that allow them to work from anywhere own professional development and value feedback and mentor- and at any time. ing from their managers.What to do for Gen Zers at your workplace:What to do for millennials at your workplace: Make fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce a top priority. Collaborating on projects appeals to millennials desire to con- As the most racially and ethnically diverse generation to date, sider perspectives other than their own, because when multipleGeneration Z anticipates diversity as the norm. If your organiza-minds work together, different ideas are bound to be broughttions approach to diversity and inclusion is out of date, attract-to the table. Even if their work is entirely independent, you caning and retaining Gen Z employees will be much more difficult.refer them to someone with whom they can bounce ideas orGen Zers top priorities at work are broadening their skillset receive feedback on their projects. and gaining relevant experience. Its critical to provide them with Set up an anonymous suggestion box for employees.opportunities for growth such as on-the-job training, mentoring Millennials want to have their voices heard. A digital suggestionfrom experienced co-workers, and eLearning programs. box is one way to solicit their feedback. Although a majority of Generation Z refers to themselves as Millennials are motivated by meaningful work. More impor- the digital generation, many prefer to work with their team or tantly, they must consistently measure and communicate theco-workers in person. Embracing a hybrid work environment impact of their performance on the rest of the organization.that allows Gen Zers to work both remotely and in-person is a Provide them with actionable feedback. Millennials are simply agreat way to give them flexibility while also giving them facetime generation that prioritizes it.with their co-workers. Characteristics of Gen Zers: Bringing the generations together:This generation is concerned with social responsibility and diver- To spread generational knowledge among other generations, sity. Almost all 13- to 17-year-olds own a smartphone. As a result,managers could use mentoring and reverse-mentoring to Gen Zers have grown up with instant access to the internet,encourage diversity of thought and a culture of idea sharing. At news, and social media. Indeed, social media enabled them tothe same time, it is important to expand communication strate-voice their opinions on political and cultural issues before theygies by making the same message available in multiple formats, were old enough to vote. They anticipate working with cutting- as each generation may have a different preferred communi-edge technology. Because Gen Zers were born into a digitalcation channel. And dont forget to work towards building a world, it stands to reason that they expect technology to beculture of belonging, and to initiate open intergenerational con-integrated into their jobs. versations about the sense of individual purpose which employ-More than previous generations, Gen Zers prefer unconven- ees experience in their work.tional approaches to education, finances, and employment. InBased on: getapp.com/resources/characteristics-of-different-terms of education, Gen Zers continue to attend college, butgenerations-in-the-workplace/ SW12/ SEEDWORLD.COMSEPTEMBER 2023'