No, theyre not from Mars, but Generation Xers are dramatically different from the Boomers. Here are the top 7 difference youre likely to see between Boomers and Xers in the workplace.
1. Their approach to authority is casual. Its not that Xers dont respect authority; its that they are unimpressed by authority. Xers grew up watching many authority figures fall from grace. Think Nixon, Jim Baker, and Jimmy Swaggart. Many also saw their own parents (their first authority figures) divorce. What they witnessed has a definite impact on their views on authority. In Managing the Clash of Veterans, Boomers, Xers, and Nexters in Your Workplace, the authors explain that Xers are likely to treat the company president just the way they would the front-desk receptionist.
2. They thrive in a casual, fun work environment. Youd be hard pressed to find a stuffed shirt Xer. Generation X wants an informal and casual workplace. And were talking more than Jeans Day once a week. In Generations At Work, the authors report that Many (Xers) assert that casual days arent just a perk: they actually make us work harder and get more done. Further, the authors of...