Pulse Legacy Archive November 2012 | Page 50

ASK THE EXPERT ANN MAX General Workplace Characteristics GENERATION YEARS CHARACTERISTICS BOOMERS 1940 – 1960, ages 52 to 72 Highly educated, career-oriented and idealistic, they hold most of the management jobs and unconditionally respect authority. They are regarded as less adaptable and less accepting of diversity and are three times more likely to be downsized. GENERATION X 1961 – 1981, ages 31 to 51 Work, for this group, holds a lower priority in life. They place less value in feeling a sense of pride at work. They want to maintain balance and independence in all areas of their lives. They can be apathetic, detached and resentful, yet, are also loyal, resourceful and self-reliant. GENERATION Y 1982 – 1990, ages 22 to 30 For this group, education is a given along with a sense of entitlement. They are staying in school longer, pursuing multiple majors mainly because the job market is very competitive. Globally minded and environmentally conscious, they are concerned about the future and are community-oriented. They are highly entrepreneurial and achievement-focused, and have been taught to speak up and respect competencies, not titles or hierarchies. FIND OUT how you can communicate effectively with each generation. Visit digital Pulse on experienceispa.com to read more. 48 PULSE ■ November 2012