Working with multiple generations in the workplace: Baby Boomers

Baby Boomers were born between 1946 and 1964 and are categorized into two groups, the early boomers, born between 1946 and 1955 and the late boomers born after 1955 (Wiedmer, 2015). Baby Boomers are a highly regarded and discussed generation because many of them are preparing for retirement leaving many vacant job positions available. The Baby Boomer generation survived major events that influenced their cultural and societal views such as the Civil Rights Movement, many political assassinations such as Kennedy, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, Neil Armstrong’s landing on the moon, Woodstock, and the great movement of television becoming a major phenomenon (Clark, 2017). The Baby Boomer generation is very strong-willed and were afforded the opportunity to attend college. While Baby Boomers attended college, they were exposed to the rise of activist groups beginning with the civil rights era in the 1960’s and continuing into the 1970’s college (Nadler, 1971). Being exposed to these types of activist groups helped to shape their thought processes which are shown in the workplace. Baby Boomers represent about 29% which equates to 44.6 million of America’s workforce (Fry, 2015). Technology is understood more by this generation as they bring such skills as critical thinking and problem solving to the workforce. Baby Boomers are well established and career-oriented individuals and bring the mindset of being collaborative, mobile (willing to change locations for their careers), committed, hard workers (can be viewed as over achievers as they work long days), active team member, optimistic, and being continuous learners (Wiedmer, 2015). Moral development is consistent with the Veteran generation as Baby Boomers want to work together to achieve the goals of the organization. Don’t count the Baby Boomers out yet as they still have a lot to offer to the workplace.

Clark, K. R. (2017). Managing Multiple Generations in the Workplace. Radiologic            Technology, 88(4), 379-398

Fry R. (2015). Millennials surpass Gen Xers as the largest generation in U.S. labor force. Pew

Research Center website. http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/05/11/ millennials-surpass-gen-xers-as-the-largest-generation-in- u-s-labor-force. Published May 11, 2015

Nadler, D. (1971). The NOW employee. Houston: Gulf Publishing Company

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