Having millennial supervisors can be eye-opening for Generation Xers. However, the generation gap has influenced how employees and supervisors navigate the workplace in many ways. Generation X-ers would be more familiar with how Boomers managed their employees.
With more and more millennials entering the workforce today, both generations have different perspectives, values, and working styles. As a result, workplace dynamics can be fascinating to watch. They also create a unique blend and clash. However, due to their differences, butting heads may be inevitable.
It has been often said and stated that “wisdom lies at the foot of the elders,” but sometimes, in the process, previous generations can learn something from those younger than them, especially in the workplace.
We’ll delve into that with this article!
Generation X and Millenials
Those from Generation X were born between the 1960s-1980s. The economic landscape of their time was filled with uncertainty, and technology was evolving. Due to the uncertainty of their times, their generation is characterized by their self-reliance, resourcefulness, and independence. Although they are skeptical of authority, personal fulfillment and stability fuel their drive to work.
Millennials, in comparison, were born between the early 1980s and mid-1990s. Rapid change and constant connectivity defined their times. Millennials are adaptable to technology, desire meaningful work, and prioritize work that aligns with their values. Moreover, they seek flexibility and strive for healthy work-life integration.
Technological Proficiency
Millennials have an innate understanding of how digital tools and platforms like Jili work. They find it easy to adapt to new software, so they can quickly adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape and leverage technology for better productivity. Thanks to their mastery of technology, they can also find solutions to problems.
Work-Life Balance And Career Aspirations
Work-life balance is essential for them. They see work as a means to an end and work to live life. They are also more likely to explore job-hopping and try various occupations to find a fulfilling career that will give their lives meaning. They are also seeking opportunities to learn and grow in their chosen professions. Some are also content with working to live because they need the money, without the need to get promoted within the workplace.
Differing Values
Gen Xers may be more used to more traditional working methods. Meanwhile, millennials are more comfortable with more unorthodox ways of doing things at work, such as instant messages, and are more flexible about their work location. They are more open to change. For one, this is what Gen X employees can learn from them!
Communication Style
Millennials prefer more frequent and more informal communication channels. They like instant messaging and video calls, which can help enhance team communication. They are also less impersonal when communicating with their colleagues.
Taking Risks
Lastly, if a generation takes risks, it is the millennials. Where Gen X employees are more concerned about stability, millennials want to take risks, especially if they want to innovate and create more opportunities. Moreover, they are proactive about these. Gen X-ers can benefit from learning this and emulate their proactivity in driving change internally.
Wrapping Up
Although generation gaps can cause friction, it is also a learning experience for both generations. Through these learnings, Gen X-ers can value their input from their millennial colleagues/supervisors/co-workers and develop mutually beneficial respect from them. These changes should not bring them down but strengthen them in working together.
