One of my favorite clients -The Greater Lansing CVB helped me launch a powerful new program called “The New Normal:  Doing More with Less.”  It was created to help reduce conflict in the workplace. We had a packed house in the Causeway Bay Convention Center in Lansing MI.  I shared tips on how the audience could keep up with the workload without burning out.

I will share highlights in this blog on how all 5 generations in the workplace can help each other create less conflict in the workplace by improving communication skills.  Look for more ideas in future blogs.

1.  The Linkster Generation:  Born after 1995.
These are teens just entering the workforce.  Leaders need to educate them on the importance of face to face communication.  They need to educate us on how to use technology.  Include the linkster generation in company meetings and let them know that they have something to contribute. The linkster generation is 18% of the world’s population.

2. Generation Y: Born Between 1981-1995
Their top motivator is BALANCE.  They don’t like to work 9-5 like the baby boomers.  They work best when they set their own hours.  They are loyal if their work/life is balanced.  Their job turnover rate is 30%.  They are 35% of the workforce.

3. Generation X:  Born Between 1965-1980
They came home from school to an empty house because many of their parents were at work.  they force themselves to be on teams even though they would rather do things on their own.  They want to be given the tools.  They want to be trained.  They are very independent.  Reward a generation X with time off to spend time with their family.  They are the smallest generation on record.

4.  Baby Boomers:  Born between 1946-1965
Baby boomers are team players.  They are used to a 9-5 job and take work home with them.  Help them gain work/life balance and learn how to be better organized so that they can have a “life” after work.  Encourage them to become mentors.

5. The Traditional Generation:  Born between 1918-1945
They bring  great value to the organization.  Make them mentors.  They do like to learn and may need a little help with technology.  They represent only 8% of the workforce.

A question that I’m always asked is…How can we improve communication in the workplace?

A perfect example is to listen…really listen to the needs of all generations.  The baby boomers live to work and Generation X and Y work to live.  One is not better than the other.  Different equals different.  Different does not equal wrong.

• Discuss why members of different generations in your workplace think and act like they do.
• Discuss ideas on how doing more with less can help the bottom line.

Each generation has important information to share.  They can also learn from each other…which is the key to reducing conflict in the workplace.

I will include more information from this workshop in future blogs. It was really interesting because we had 4 generations represented in the workshop.  Conversation was extremely interesting on how work/life balance is important to ALL generations.

Below is a photo of Jennifer Hagen-Events Planner and Jan Pfeiffer, Membership Manager who both work at the Greater Lansing CVB.

The following video is a testimonial from Amanda Allen who works at the Okemos Convention Center and Holiday Express & Comfort Inn:

Thanks to the fine people at Greater Lansing CVB who make me feel like part of their family each time we work together.

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Remember…YOU GET WHAT YOU TOLERATE!

Until the next time
Joyce Weiss