Generations in the workplace and their interaction has been a hot topic of discussion in a variety of industries, and for good reason: This is the first time in history that five generations are active in the workforce.
From the Traditional Generation to Generation Z, and everywhere in between, people are heading to work.
“History is in the making,” said Meagan Johnson, who's a member of Generation X and co-author of Generations Inc. with her father, Larry Johnson, a baby boomer. Together, they operate Johnson Training Group.
“Never before have five generations occupied the workplace as they do now,” she claims.
Why does this matter? Because, according to the Johnsons, working together can spell the difference between a successful business and one that simply muddles along or, ultimately, fails.
Over the past few weeks, Tire Business has published on its website a series of articles on each generation in the workplace, defining key characteristics and tips for how the generations can work together. There are often misconceptions about each generation from the perspective of one to another.
Tire Business' “Generations in the Workplace” series took a detailed look—not just exploring the traits of each generation, but why each generation's members are the way they are—with tips for working with and managing them.
Earlier this year Ms. Johnson spoke at the Virginia Automotive Association's (VAA) annual conference, after which Tire Business Reporter Jennifer Karpus sat down and spoke with her. This led to Ms. Karpus's reading Generations Inc. and putting together a five-part series on the topic.
Traditionals, baby boomers, Generation X and Generation Y have been profiled online. This piece will detail what is coming down the pike with Generation Z, along with the discussion of those who fall at the beginning or end of a generation and if generations will even matter down the line.
The Johnsons reported that, according to a survey of 578 companies by Boston College's Center on Aging & Work, only 33 percent said they have analyzed workplace demographics and made projections about the retirement rates of their workers. As traditionals and baby boomers continue to retire and more millennials flood offices, shops and service bays, perhaps it's time to take a look.