A Generational Approach to Workplace Values

The current workforce is made up of Boomers (194-1956), Generation X (1965-1980), Millennials (1981-1996), and Generation Z (1996-2020). Boomers are leaving the workforce or about to, especially in light of the great resignation that is most commonly reflected in early retirement. Generation Z is only recently entering the workforce, as the early group is recent college graduates. It is important for everyone, including us at DirectShifts, to understand the impact that this has on those leading organizations and those working for them.

Leading a multi-generational workforce will continue to be one of the most important tasks to attract and retain staff. The generational makeup of healthcare organizations will continue to rapidly shift, and with that shift come changes in perception and expectations from the clinician side.

Boomers, many of whom work past the retirement age, are often marked by behaviors and ideologies that reflect a strong work ethic, job loyalty, and oftentimes, sacrifices in their personal lives for career advancement. Generation X is often credited with consistency, a focus on efficiency, and a very direct communication style. Millennials are tech-savvy in their methods and desire work-life balance and independence. Much is to be learned about the values that Gen Z holds, but it is apparent thus far that they look for progressive outlooks, creativity, individualistic opportunities, and innovation.

Anyone will be able to identify the flaws of each generation. It is a time-honored ritual to notice changes in values and find negative connotations in them. However, we will continue to see a higher concentration of millennials and Gen Z values that point towards inclusivity, innovation, flexibility, autonomy, and personal development. Leaders will be tasked with finding solutions to fulfill these expectations.

As our platform looks to continue to utilize technology to empower clinicians to work in the ways they want, we want to continue gaining insights from our multi-generational network of healthcare professionals to assist organizations in advancing into the future with the new makeup of workers they will have. Employer expectations are changing; now is the time to prepare for them.