Dear Monsters,

At the time I first joined the workplace as a young graduate, organizations worldwide were going through a dramatic shift. They were dreading the retirement of the Baby Boomer generation and prepared to welcome another generation… the Millennials. The only issue was, they weren’t really welcoming us. There was a lot of eye rolls, resentful comments and bad jokes about people like me.

The intergenerational conflict was brewing, and I could see it being fuelled by two opposing cohorts. In the grand theatre of generational dynamics, a dramatic performance unfolds—a tale of differences, clashes, and the persistent belief that Millennials and Baby Boomers inhabit opposite ends of the generational spectrum. The stage is set with the echoes of intergenerational conflict echoing through office corridors and family gatherings. The clash of perspectives and values, epitomized by trending hashtags like #OKBoomer and #HowToConfuseAMillennial, has fuelled a narrative of division. 

However, the more time I spent studying these two generations, the more I realise how similar they really are. So, dear Monsters, let us draw back the curtain and reveal the unexpected similarities between these seemingly different generations.

1. Generational Size Matters:

Both Millennials and Baby Boomers represent substantial demographic forces. Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are a massive cohort that significantly impacted the economy and culture. Similarly, Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, constitute a sizable portion of the population, making their presence felt in various aspects of society. This meant that societies and economies responded positively to these generations, immediately adapting to their spending habits and catering to their needs. 

2. Economic Prosperity Defines Their Coming of Age:

Baby Boomers witnessed unprecedented economic prosperity during their coming of age, characterized by a post-World War II economic boom. Millennials, too, experienced a period of economic growth, especially in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. This shared backdrop shapes their perspectives and expectations in the workplace. They are idealistic, hopeful and have big dreams for their future. Does any of this sound familiar, Monsters?

3. Markets Catering to Large Generations:

The sheer size of these generations has driven markets to cater specifically to their preferences. Whether it’s the housing market adapting to accommodate Baby Boomers’ needs or industries tailoring products and services to Millennials’ tech-savvy (and sneaker-loving) preferences, both generations have significantly influenced market trends. Hence, both Baby Boomers and Millennials have developed a subtle sense of entitlement that both GenXers and GenZers resent them for.

4. Idealism Runs in Their Veins:

Idealism is a common thread that runs through both Baby Boomers and Millennials. Baby Boomers were at the forefront of social and cultural movements in the 1960s, advocating for civil rights, environmentalism, and peace. Millennials, too, are known for their idealistic approach, championing causes such as sustainability, diversity, and social justice. The only issue with Baby Boomers is, that they joined the establishment they so severely fought against. Millennials seem to be less keen to back-down from their ideals. This makes me wonder… will they eventually give in?

5. The Parental Link:

Millennials are, quite literally, the kids and grandchildren of Baby Boomers. This familial connection adds a layer of shared values and experiences. Baby Boomers’ parenting styles have influenced Millennials, contributing to their perspectives on work, life, and societal expectations. Millennials grew up with their workaholic Baby Boomer parents and refused to spend their lives at the office. Boomers, with their parenting techniques, have shaped the millennials into the entitled avocado-eating sneaker-wearing, feedback-obsessed monsters. Which makes me wonder, who is the victim here?

Despite these similarities, the ongoing war between Baby Boomers and Millennials has shaped the workplace over the past decade. This puts lots of pressure on leaders and people managers to manage the drama. But fear no more, dear Monsters, as I have prepared some easy to adapt strategies to help New Age Leaders like you foster understanding and collaboration in an intergenerational workplace.

•                Mentorship Programs: Encourage cross-generational mentorship, allowing Baby Boomers to share their wealth of experience with Millennials, while Millennials can provide insights into emerging trends and technologies. I have benefited a ton from having Baby Boomer mentors, but I dare say the learning was mutual. I could learn from their wisdom and experience, while they were keen on my fresh ideas, my ability to innovate and understanding of technology. So, reverse (or even mutual) mentoring would be the right way to go if you want to overcome these challenges on your team.
•                Recognition of Shared Values: Highlight the shared values of both generations, such as a commitment to social causes, and channel these commonalities into collaborative projects that resonate with the entire team. I like to do this by openly recognizing the causes that Baby Boomers made possible for us today, such as women’s liberation, for example. I also salute them for the high quality music they championed like, duh Rock and Roll, and some excellent movie classics that came out during their youth. You will be surprised how well they respond to this kind of recognition. 
•                Flexible Work Arrangements: Recognize that both generations value work-life balance but may define it differently. Implement flexible work arrangements that cater to diverse preferences and lifestyles. Baby Boomers have an impeccable work ethic and prefer going to the office. To them, this is a way how they honour their work-life balance, so that they can disconnect when they are at home. Millennials have a higher preference for working from home, as they are keen on doing undisturbed deep work and avoiding the long commutes.  Younger generations, such as Millennials, could learn from Baby Boomers how to build resilience and show up in difficult times with integrity, professionalism and duty.
•                Open Dialogue: Foster an environment of open communication where team members from different generations feel comfortable sharing their perspectives, experiences, and expectations. You will be surprised how much can be achieved if you get the different generations talking to each other. During the workshops I deliver, different team members say that they finally realise where the generational differences come from and are more likely to respond with understanding, rather than with judgement.
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By acknowledging the surprising similarities between Millennials and Baby Boomers, organizations can capitalize on the strengths of both generations, creating a workplace that thrives on diversity, understanding, and collaboration. 

If you are suffering from these intergenerational tensions in the workplace, I have designed a workshop that will help you foster inclusion and collaboration. Contact me if you would like to know more about the offer.

Here’s to breaking down generational barriers and building a harmonious workplace for all!

Foto credit Andreas Hoyer.