Embracing Generational Shifts in the Workplace
The Cyclical Nature of Change
‘Be aware of your surroundings’ is the first lesson in the book Everybody, Be Cool! This chapter/lesson explores the different decades and generations in the workplace.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the rapid changes happening today at work and in the world. From new technologies to shifting cultural norms, it can sometimes seem like we’re navigating constant change.
Everything is cyclical. Everything is a pattern.
The players change, but we all engage in a familiar dance through the ages. We often convince ourselves that the time we’re living in is somehow unique, but it’s just a variation of that pattern.
This knowledge informs the present and can help you make more sense of the landscape you’re in. How did we get here? What are the movements, philosophies, and values in each decade/generation? How did they change over time?
Five generations comprise the workplace in the last century: Silent, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. Gen Alpha are not old enough to enter the workplace yet—unless they’re the occasional YouTuber who gets rich opening up Pokémon packs.
Workplace Generations—Silent to Alpha
Silent: 1928 - 1945
Boomers: 1946 - 1964
Generation X: 1965 - 1980
Millennials: 1981 - 1996
Generation Z: 1997 - 2012
Generation Alpha: 2013 - 2023
There's always been friction between older and younger generations at work. But if we take a step back, we can see that this push and pull between generations—this tension between the old and the new—is nothing new. The Silent Generation clashed with Baby Boomers. It’s part of a larger, cyclical pattern that has been shaping our work environments for decades. There's always been norms being broken, and those who want to stick with the comfort of the status quo without challenging existing beliefs.
Understanding these patterns doesn’t just help us make sense of the chaos; it empowers us to lead with empathy and foresight. When we recognize that change is a constant, we’re less likely to resist it and more likely to embrace it as an opportunity for growth. In your workplace, how can you use this insight to foster a culture that welcomes change rather than fears it?
Each generation had its traumas, influences, ideas, and breakthroughs. Look for the patterns as you read about the decades and generations in this section. You’ll notice a push and pull between generations—old and new (Loria, 2023).
By 2030, Gen Z will make up 30% of the workplace. While Gen Z has gotten a bad rap for their perceived lack of work ethic, they are pushing the workplace to change and adapt rather than vice versa (The World Economic Forum, 2022).
If you’re looking to create a work environment that not only adapts to change but thrives on it, let’s explore how our services can support that transformation.
The workplace throughout the decades...
