Most workplaces today still feature members of the Baby Boom generation (born between 1946 and 1964), but Generation X (born between 1965 and 1979) and Generation Y (born between 1980 and 1994) are now the largest groups. However, the youngest employees are now members of Generation Z (born between 1995 and 2009).
So the generational map is quite colorful, and effective cooperation can be very difficult even between two generations, not to mention the fact that here, in Eastern Europe, the change of regime further complicates the factors that affected these generations (and their mentality).
However, we must not forget that the ratio of each generation is always just a snapshot that is constantly changing. In fact, with the extension of active working hours, it is even possible that a retirement party of today's older Generation Y worker will already have a couple of Generation Beta colleagues (or will be included, since it is still a question of how they will get around in the future).
Just think about what lies ahead, as younger generations will inevitably be affected by influences that we cannot even imagine today. The only thing that is eternal is that everyone has (and will have) an opinion about “today’s youth.”
Effective intergenerational collaboration and leadership of a group from another generation is naturally a big challenge and requires a much more universal approach than just superficially understanding the characteristics of the generations we work with. The bottom line is that it is worth considering what factors, memories, feelings, and events shaped the generation we are working with.
And life certainly doesn't stand still. In the coming years, we will have more and more Generation Z employees, and in 10 years, the first members of the Alpha generation will arrive... One thing is for sure, we won't be bored.