This week, I’m sticking with the generational theme. Almost every workplace has a variety of generations, and a savvy manager is adept at providing reasons and resources to engage all of them.

Yesterday I looked at Generation Y…well, really, I encouraged you to look by visiting 5 social networking sites.

Today let’s give quick distinctions to each of the four generations still at work. As they are different from one another, their reasons and methods of being engaged are, too.

Traditionals (Veterans).
These individuals have strong links to their surviving the Great Depression and WWII. The current recession may be the primary reason so many of them are still at work: paycheck and benefits. They continually demonstrate hard work, dedication, and practicality.

Boomers.
Having grown up in the 60’s and 70’s boomers demonstrate optimism and fulfillment-focus. With high energy and a youthful outlook, many have shelved their retirement dreams thanks to the economy. Boomers may feel some resentment that the results of all their hardwork are, for now, threatened.

Generation X.
This generation grew up during the recessions of the ’80s, experienced parents’ career upheavals, and were often latch-key kids. Consequently, they place heavy emphasis on work-life balance. They know the demands of hard work; they demand the freedom to attend family and children. Gen Xers have a higher frustration level now as they were on the threshold of promotions, especially as Boomers were expected to retire.

Generation Y.
This youngest generation has known substantial prosperity and significant upheaval. They have life-long familiarity with computers, cell phones, iPods. 9/11, Columbine, and other major tragedies may have generated a seize-the-day  value set.  Members of Gen X hold less fear of losing or leaving employment because of their confidence in finding another, returning to school, or returning home

How are these four generations distributed in you workforce? What differences in the levels and the types of engagement do you witness among them?

For more info: In case you missed yesterday’s 5 Social Networking Keys…. just click it.

Tags: boomers, emplyee engagement, generation y, generation-x, generations, traditionals