How Generations Fare on Key Workplace Traits

Can we all work well together? Yes, of course we can. But it would be naïve to pretend that there aren’t considerable differences in the ways the professional qualities and skill sets of Millennial workers (Gen Yers), Gen Xers and Baby Boomers are perceived. Recent survey findings from EY (formerly Ernst & Young) make it clear that these perceptions are very real. The survey itself focuses much of its research on Millennials, especially since a number of these young workers are now joining the management ranks. In fact, 87 percent of Millennial managers first moved into a managerial role between 2008 and 2013, compared to 38 percent of Gen Xers and 19 percent of Boomer managers, EY reports. What’s clear, however, is that all three generations are making contrasting impressions when it comes to productivity, work ethic, team-orientation, tech-savvy levels, social media usage and other important factors. More than 1,210 managers and non-manager professionals in these three generational categories (Gen Y/Millennials, Gen X and Baby Boomers) took part in the research.