The Veterans generation is not one that is discussed as much because many of them have retired. This generation holds individuals who have possibly built businesses and have since passed them on and may occasionally serve on the board. The Veteran generation also known as the Traditionalists or the Silent Generation Schullery, (2013), survived major events that influenced their cultural and societal views such as the Great Depression, World War II, Pearl Harbor, D-Day, the Korean War, the Golden Age of Radio, and the Rise and Creation of labor unions (Clark, 2017). This generation may volunteer at local nonprofits or may work part-time to make their time pass. The Veteran generation was born before 1946 and as of 2017, 55 million Americans are classified as being a part of the Veteran generation (Wiedmer, 2015). As more veterans are choosing to stay busy by continuing to work or volunteer, many have retired. Veterans are comprised of 2% of the U.S. workforce today which equates to 3.7 million employed in some form of work (Fry, 2015). Due to the time in which they were born they weren’t privy the advances in technology offered today. They had to learn to be resourceful, stretch funds, and make do with what they had. Due to having to overcome so many hardships, this generation brings the mindset of being a team player, pride, and determination, loyalty, integrity, respect, character, and sacrifice (Wiedmer, 2015). Many may consider working with a Veteran as a privilege and an opportunity because of the abundance of knowledge they have gained from their life experiences. This generation brings a dynamic and unique mix to the workforce as they are the eldest and may be considered the wisest. Working with the Veteran generation can serve as an honor and a privilege.
Clark, K. R. (2017). Managing Multiple Generations in the Workplace. Radiologic
Technology, 88(4), 379-398
Schullery, N. M. (2013). Workplace Engagement and Generational Differences in
Values. Business Communication Quarterly, 76(2), 252-265
doi:10.1177/1080569913476543
Wiedmer T. (2015). Generations do differ: best practices in leading traditionalists, boomers, and
generations X, Y, and Z. Delta Kappa Gamma Bull. 2015;82(1):51-58
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