Generational Differences and Communication in the Workplace

Dr. Will Austin at Halverson Center on Sept. 14. 

As people live and work longer, the workforce is encompassing four generations: Mature (born before 1946), Baby Boomers (1946-1964), Generation X (1965-1979) and Millennials (1980-2000). Each group grew up in vastly different times, have varying value sets and often, not always, exert opposing communication styles.
     GHAEA secretarial and support staff enjoyed a presentation on Sept. 14 by Dr. Will Austin on Generational Differences and Communication in the Workplace. The presentation is part of the group's professional development for 2016-17. 
     The presentation looks at identifying generations in the workplace and offers strategies for effective cross-generational communication. "The events we experience during our formative years define who we are," Austin said. "But the generation we grow up in is just one influence."
    Each generation has different values and ideas, different ways of communicating and different ways to get the job done. Employees need to understand and accept these differences for communication to be effective and for an organization to be successful. 
     In his two-part presentation (returning on Dec. 9), the group will examine communication styles among the various generations, identify differing feedback styles and learn strategies for effective cross-generational communication. 
      Austin is an associate professor, Teacher Education, University of Nebraska-Omaha.