Multi-Generational Impacts on the Workplace Research Report Request
Thank you for your interest in the updated curated research report, Multi-Generational Impacts on the Workplace, from the Gloria Cordes Larson Center for Women and Business (CWB)! Download the full report.
Executive Summary
Like other dimensionalities of social identity, age, and generation play a significant role in shaping perceptions about the progress and shortcomings of workplace diversity and inclusion efforts. There are five generations represented in today’s workplace. On one end, Gen Zers desire integration of personal and work life. They expect their companies to care about and invest in prosocial efforts, including climate change, racial justice, universal healthcare, and education (Bentley-Gallup Business and Society Report, 2023). The other end of the generational spectrum includes Traditionalists who put their heads down and perform their duties. Between these two very different prototypes of employees, we have Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials, which, to make things interesting, include sub-generations such as geriatric millennials and peak millennials.
The Center Women and Business (CWB) at Bentley University compiled the information in this report guided by a literature review. A synthesis of current research and workplace media insights about the five generations in the U.S. workforce confirmed the anecdotal data from the CWB’s extensive professional development workshops with corporate partners across a diverse set of industries. While we intend for this curated research report to be timely and forward-looking, there are several key questions answered that you will find useful for your workplace today.
- What are the traits and values associated with each generation?
- What are the differences and similarities between generations?
- Are there gender and racial differences among and within each generation?
- How do societal events influence each generation’s decision-making on career approach, industry aspirations and choices, and workplace expectations?
- What are the consequences of generation-based stereotyping?
- What strategies support generational cohesion in a multigenerational workplace?
First released in 2017, our updated report explores the current challenges of the multigenerational professional landscape, integrates intersectional impacts and context within generational attitudes, and looks ahead to the needs of future generations. The information is synthesized to clarify timely advice for leaders and employers looking to strategically engage and support a diverse employee workforce. The Center for Women and Business and Bentley University are committed to intersectional gender equity and look forward to a world in which our differences do not dictate the difference in experience and outcomes individuals achieve while pursuing individual purpose and passion in the workplace.