Basic Guide for Managers and Leaders: Baby Boomers in the Workforce
Baby Boomers in the workforce are a force to be reckoned with. They are the single largest cohort in the history of the planet, and they have dominated culture, economics, and the workplace for the past half century in countries where the Baby Boom phenomena exists.
Baby Boomers in the workforce are most pronounced in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (presumably because the Second World War was six years long for these countries, but when they returned home, they didn’t have to rebuild their cities), followed by the US and Western Europe.
First, we should define Baby Boomers In The Workforce:
Traditionalists: 1925 – 1945
Baby Boomers: 1946 – 1965
Generation X: 1966 – 1980
Millennials: 1980 – 1999
Who Cares About Baby Boomers In The Workforce?
• Clashes between generations can directly affect turnover. If team members do not feel like they “fit in” or that their values are not reflected in the workplace, then there is a risk of unwanted turnover.
• Baby Boomers in the workforce have been influenced by different life events than other generations and thus have different perspectives that can impact motivation and performance. Understanding this better ensures the capture of discretionary effort.
• A 2011 Robert Half survey showed that 72% of hiring managers find it challenging to manage teams composed of members of different generations. This is particularly challenging when younger generations are put in the position of managing mature workers.
Factors that Shaped Baby Boomers In The Workforce:
• Birth of Rock and Roll.
• Many Baby Boomers in the workforce are the hippees of the 1960s.
• Space exploration. Many Baby Boomers in the workforce can remember a time before regular space travel.
• Baby Boomers in the workforce are the most affluent generation in history.
• Unlike previous generations, Baby Boomers in the workforce grew up in peaceful times, and most of them have never gone to war.
• Baby Boomers in the workforce were the first to reject traditional values, after having grown up during the Civil Rights Movement, and other significant social changes.
Expectations of Baby Boomers In The Workforce:
• Baby Boomers in the workforce value peer competition.
• Boomers started the “workaholic” trend. Where Traditionalists saw hard work as the right thing to do, Baby Boomers in the workforce see it as a way to get ahead.
• Baby Boomers in the workforce are committed to climbing the ladder of success. They seek money, status, and prestige.
• Baby Boomers in the workforce don’t like restrictive rules and regulations.
How to Lead and Motivate Baby Boomers In The Workforce:
• Position, Titles and Prestige. Baby Boomers in the workforce are achievement oriented, and respond to status represented by position and titles.
• Provide Stability. Baby Boomers in the workforce are primarily a loyal group, so even though many are close to retirement, longer term incentives are important to this cohort.
• Recognize Their Experience and Contributions. Baby Boomers in the workforce have a lot of experience that younger generations haven’t achieved yet. Recognizing this allows other generations to learn from the Boomers, and also motivates Baby Boomers in the workforce.
• Respect their knowledge and experience. Set up formal opportunities for Baby Boomers in the Workforce to share their expertise with younger workers.
• Personal Relationships. Deal with Boomers face to face. Do not rely solely on email with this cohort.
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