Hellobee Boards Topic: Generational differences in the workplace

Hellobee Boards Topic: Generational differences in the workplace https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:56:36 +0000 daniellemybelle on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-527284 Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:06:30 +0000 daniellemybelle 527284@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I am a Millennial through and through. I don't think of myself as entitled at all, and I work really hard, but I do think I am more reliant on feedback/praise than my older colleagues, and I also prefer teamwork over working independently. blackbird on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-527158 Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:20:48 +0000 blackbird 527158@https://boards.hellobee.com/ There's a huge generational difference at my company. Mostly Boomers, for sure. Fewer Gen-Xers. Over 50% of the company is within 5 years of retiring. I work with a ton of folks who are in their 50's and 60's. Bridging the gap comes up at all the conferences I attend and is a frequent "lunch and learn" topic at my company. I go out of my way to call or visit them instead of respond to everything by email. I avoid IM with them and I keep them abreast of my projects. Being engineers, our Boomers are very tech savvy. They do embrace the technology. I am definitely a millenial when it comes to work/life balance. I work my 40 and I go home. I don't shuck work, though...I have worked OT before when needed. But I do my job. However, it is a corporate mentality FOR SURE. And I notice that our older generations have certainly adopted it. Weather's nice? They're out golfing and taking half days during the summer. They are also very big on their lifestyle. I think it's a corporate mindset for us because the company pushes work/life balance and not working overtime on us. I think the ones that believe in the 60 hour/week grind are very far and few between. In 5 years, I only ever had one person tell me I should work a ton of hours to get ahead. Everybody else is like, "enjoy your weekend!" etc I do utilize a lot of our technology but it ultimately depends who I am working with. I cater to them for the most part, because they are the more senior engineers and I respect that. They shouldn't bend to me, I should be bending to them. It makes them FAR more willing to share with me. Many are excellent mentors...I have almost never had issues tapping their brain for knowledge. They are eager to share with me. We have flex time, which is definitely a newer/millenial concept. But everybody seems to embrace it! Hardly anybody works a super rigid schedule. I just find that being flexible to everyone else gives me a good advantage and lots of positive reviews when it comes to communication and such. Being amendable puts me in a favorable position, definitely. MaisyMay on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-526997 Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:35:39 +0000 MaisyMay 526997@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I do see a generational difference, especially in communication styles and comfort. Some of my coworkers are older and much more reserved around our boss, whereas DH and I are far more conversational with him. Also, we are more open about going to him with ideas, even if they get shot down 90% of the time. Honeybee on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-526984 Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:32:37 +0000 Honeybee 526984@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I did some generational work and strategic planning in my last job, and I really liked it. It's so interesting to see different generations' personalities and characteristics coming together to get things done. I love Millenials, but I think maybe that's because I am one? :) I think Millenials actually have a great work ethic, but it often goes unrecognized because it's different than previous generations'. I don't think Millenials judge work ethic by hours, but more by productivity, and I think as long as you can keep them engaged, they are always looking for new opportunities, challenges, etc... Generational studies are really fascinating to me. mrbee on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-526258 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:39:33 +0000 mrbee 526258@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @travelgirl1: These are usually pseudo-cryptic references. It's never exactly clear who they are talking about. sooz on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-526247 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:38:34 +0000 sooz 526247@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I think my biggest frustration is with older Boomers who are not very tech savvy. It just takes them so long to do certain projects that it actually affects my workload since a lot of times I have to pick up their slack. Just watching them pick their way through a spreadsheet drives me crazy (of course, there are plenty of Boomers that are very tech savvy, just not the ones I work with). travelgirl1 on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-526223 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:34:35 +0000 travelgirl1 526223@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @mrbee: really? As in criticism? That's very bad form on their part, writers rely on web presence to get hired so shouldn't get caught criticising employers! Sorry for the threadjack, Mrs Jacks! mrbee on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-526166 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:26:59 +0000 mrbee 526166@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @travelgirl1: It's really hard to hire writers. And then if you work together for a while, then cryptic references to someone that sounds just like you start showing up their Tumblr. Yay for social media. Mrs. Jacks on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-526150 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:25:03 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 526150@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @mrbee: Of course now you've got me really curious about which ones are no-goes! @matador84: Thanks for the tip! travelgirl1 on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-526147 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:24:56 +0000 travelgirl1 526147@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @mrbee: I'm a writer/journalist and have never been asked to do that before but it's a pretty cool way of doing interviews! matador84 on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-526125 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:22:26 +0000 matador84 526125@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @mrsjacks hiring-someone (a GREAT boss I had) hired people by just letting them talk and not really asking many questions. When you know what you're looking for and the interviewee doesn't...sometimes they hang themselves before they're even in the door. Good way to get good people though! Mrs. Jacks on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-526111 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:20:27 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 526111@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @matador84: Love it! And I love to see a millennial adapting their style to the boomers in their office :) I can see Boomers and millennials getting along fairly well because they are both team players. travelgirl1 on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-526100 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:19:06 +0000 travelgirl1 526100@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @Mrs. Jacks: ah I get ya. I think for me it depends on the job. When I worked on a newspaper, whenever a story broke, whatever time of the day or night, I was on it because I loved my job and took it very seriously. But in other jobs I've had I've valued the work/life balance much more, because the job wasn't as important to me. In your field I can see how putting in extrahours , , showing dedication and being available is very important. I also think to some extent it is a cultural thing. In England there is much more of a sense of entitlement for things like vacation and I really noticed the difference when I moved to Canada. I see my former paper colleagues striking over things that aren't as important to people here. That's how it seems anyway. matador84 on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-526063 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:13:24 +0000 matador84 526063@https://boards.hellobee.com/ This was so interesting to me. I am Gen Y and love hands on, tech--but if I am work with an older group, like baby boomers (and I'm presenting information) I have found its usually interesting and better for them to present more directive, or even sit down. A lot of the "older" folks I work with seek my assistance when it comes to details in presentations or managerial things...and I kind of love that. On a side note, I did see a pin this week that said "it's not 1989. I don't know how to use a computer isn't a valid excuse anymore." Ha! Freckles on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-526032 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:09:47 +0000 Freckles 526032@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I am a millenial, but i don't believe i share the same sense of entitlement as my more younger counterparts. Almost all of my coworkers are baby boomers, but i get along with them pretty well. I am the most tech savvy team member, so they are all hopeless without me! I also put in the hours, so there are never any comments/criticisms about promotions! mrbee on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-526018 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:07:46 +0000 mrbee 526018@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @Mrs. Jacks: I've learned the hard way to spend 80% of the interview process focused on their motivations. I hire a lot of writers, and one trick I've learned is to list a bunch of writing-related occupations (writer, blogger, journalist, columnist, reporter, etc.). Then I ask them which words they most relate to, and why. It reveals so much! And if they pick certain occupations, I've learned not to hire them. Maysprout on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-526014 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:06:47 +0000 Maysprout 526014@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I think I'm a mix between Gen X and Millenial. When I've had to mentor undergrad/grad students I've been surprised at how much I've enjoyed it. Inside I have to hold in some eye rolls but I also identify with the idealism and unrealistic expectations. So I've found it really enjoyable to try and figure out how to temper idealism with realism without feeling like I'm sucking the soul out of them. And I think it's uber important to have a work/life balance, technology is a great way to help that. Mrs. Jacks on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-526011 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:05:54 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 526011@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @travelgirl1: I do work most days, but on weeks when I'm not on service I try not to work weekends... but as an example, there is one part of our schedule (which I'm doing right now), where you work a super long week (like 7 am to 6 pm and it's 7 days in a row, then 2 nights on the next two days). You are supposed to not come in the following days (because you've already put in 2 weeks worth of work), but I always come in anyway since those are week days where I can be productive. @T-Mom: It can feel like walking on eggshells to keep them motivated and happy. I wish it came more naturally to me. T-Mom on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-526000 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:03:04 +0000 T-Mom 526000@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @Mrs. Jacks: yeah I agree , and to your point about finding the old souls that Mr bee mentioned, it's so hard to tell at first glance.... maybe we need to try and find out what motivates them in the workplace and try to provide more of that. My problem is that if any of the Millenials I work with dont get what they want, they completely check out... travelgirl1 on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-525981 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:00:28 +0000 travelgirl1 525981@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @Mrs. Jacks: every day? You work hard! Do you do a seven day week all the time? Mrs. Jacks on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-525968 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 21:57:58 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 525968@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @mrbee: Tell me what you do to spot the gems? I think I need to get better at finding them in the hiring process. Mrs. Jacks on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-525962 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 21:56:50 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 525962@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @prettylizy: I guess I fit with you in that sense. Our computer system went down the other morning and all of us were like walking zombies trying to figure out how to see our patients without the technology! @T-Mom: I try to be open minded about it, but sometimes it can be tricky... like I'm there every day even if I'm not on service, but the millennials just seem to vanish if the workload is light or they are not on service. I shouldn't let it get to me! mrbee on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-525957 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 21:55:47 +0000 mrbee 525957@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I've struggled with working with millenials too! Luckily there are plenty of "old souls" out there in every generation, so I've had some good millenial experiences! prettylizy on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-525931 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 21:51:25 +0000 prettylizy 525931@https://boards.hellobee.com/ My dad is a perfectly stereotypical boomer so I was raised in a very 'earn your place and take you lumps' household. I really do think that has carried me quite far in my career as an adult. I do tend to fit into the millenial category when it comes to my love of technology though. Lord help me should the computers go down, what would I do with myself? T-Mom on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-525922 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 21:50:11 +0000 T-Mom 525922@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @Mrs. Jacks: I have totally experienced the millenial "entitlement" ... At least with those Millenials I have managed.. I know it is a stereotype. They want to move up quickly when they haven't paid their dues yet. But that's from my perspective as a Gen X'er.. Mrs. Jacks on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-525897 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 21:46:53 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 525897@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @MamaMoose: I find it really challenging to work with most millenials (sounds like you wouldn't fit in that group), because I don't get the whole "lifestyle above all" thing. There is also the stereotype that millenials are "entitled" in the workplace... But I think it must also be harder for millenials because boomers aren't leaving the workplace and the job market is so tight. MamaMoose on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-525645 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 21:03:07 +0000 MamaMoose 525645@https://boards.hellobee.com/ The Baby Boomer fits me better than the Gen Y! I've always been competitive in the work place and I'm not a huge fan of team work. But I do like feedback! Mrs. Jacks on "Generational differences in the workplace" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/generational-differences-in-the-workplace#post-525603 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 20:57:09 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 525603@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Recently I've been aware of some generational differences in workplace communication. I started reading more about it and found it really interesting. I'm linking to a very brief summary about what's known about it. I'm sort of the tail end of Gen X which is sort of known as the independent rebel. I think the description fits me pretty well :p. I'm wondering if you are aware of inter generational communication issues in the work place and if you do anything special to bridge them. <a href="http://guides.wsj.com/management/managing-your-people/how-to-manage-different-generations/" rel="nofollow">http://guides.wsj.com/management/managing-your-people/how-to-manage-different-generations/</a>