Are There Really Generational Differences in the Workplace?

A lot of people have made a lot of money selling their so-called expertise in generational differences and how to work with younger generations in the workplace. But the supposed generational differences in the workplace are largely hokum.

[Definition: hokum—nonsense, bunk, false or irrelevant material introduced into an essay in order to arouse interest, excitement or amusement. Hokum is an Americanism, probably a blend of hocus-pocus and bunkum.]

Recently, the Center for Evidence-based Management (CEBM) completed a study on the evidence for (assumed) generational or age differences in the workplace. They did a system wide search of more than 80 studies. The studies focused on quantitative, empirical research, not qualitative.

One of the more useful pieces of info for me is that they actually labelled and dated the generations. I’ve added that info for those of you who are curious about the subject.

               Generations                      Born between

               Traditionalists                   1925-1944
               Baby Boomers                  1945-1964
               Generation X                     1965-1979
               Millennials                          1980-2000

Generational differences are supposed to influence work outcomes because of differing values, work ethics or expectations about organizations.

They drew a number of conclusions.