Generations in the Workplace

Most homes have experienced terrific results with older workers. Reliable, responsible, hard working are a few of the benefits identified by many employers. So who are older workers?

Ages/Categories and Their Typical Priorities and Values

• 80+ year olds: Discipline, duty, hard work, traditional, loyal, steady
• 62–79 year olds/Boomers: Stability, loyalty, long-term careers, security, legacy
• 46–61 year olds/Generation X: Independent, practical, self-reliant, results focused, balanced
• 30–45 year olds/Millennials: Purpose-driven, collaborative; value meaning, growth, flexibility
• 14–29 year olds/Gen Z: Tech-native, creative, inclusive, prioritize transparency and freedom

Proactive Strategies to Having an Inclusive Generational Work Environment

• Think part-time options to retain and attract aging workers
• Train lead staff on generational differences
• Update recruitment methods and materials to appeal to workers coming into the workforce

Big Picture Questions to Consider

• Is conflict in your workforce ranks possibly due to generational differences?
• When working through an incident or Work Comp claim, are you considering generational differences?
• Is your workplace friendly toward all relevant generations?
• Ask yourself as a leader if you hold biases related to generational differences.
• Is your facility/company serious about providing accommodations?

Employee Specific Questions to Consider

• Do you have employees experiencing limitations?
• Are these limitations affecting their job performance?
• What specific job tasks are problematic as a result of identified limitations?

Specific Steps to Take to Protect Older Workers in Your Workplace

• Frequently monitor workers to ensure there are not unidentified limitations in completing job tasks
• Match worker ability to the job assignment even if the worker is disabled
• Incorporate wellness activities in the overall worksite employee health and safety program

In a recent interview with an insured, comments included “always at work, loved by residents” about one long-time older employee. Another was known to say how much she “missed it” when seen out in the community after retiring. They are “a light,” in reference to older workers, said one administrator.

Our partners at Eastern Alliance have helpful tools for all related workplace safety trainings.

For more information on building an inclusive, multigenerational workforce while decreasing risk, contact Healthcare Risk Services at 601-750-6625 or lanette@hrsins.com.