Skip to main content
ccforiowa.org
Main Content

Equity Lens: Multigenerational Workforce

A multigenerational workforce is a work environment where employees from numerous generations work together and is characterized by individuals from various age groups, spanning up to 5 generations. The generations are as follows:

  • The Silent Generation or Traditionalist Generation (born approximately from 1928 to 1945)

  • Baby Boomers (born approximately between 1946 and 1964)

  • Generation X or Gen Xers (born approximately between 1965 and 1980)

  • Millennials or Generation Y (born approximately between 1981 and 1996)

  • Generation Z or Zoomers (born approximately between 1997 and 2012)

Each generation brings unique perspectives, experiences, skills, and work styles to the table. Countless articles have characterized each generation’s unique personality traits and values, but these generalizations can be harmful just like stereotypes. Managing a multigenerational workforce requires fostering respect, understanding, and transparency as this article covered. More importantly, it involves recognizing and valuing each generation's unique contributions and learning how to promote collaboration, encourage teamwork, and foster intergenerational contact and cooperation among employees of all ages. 

© 2023 Community Colleges for Iowa. All rights reserved.