Bridging Generational Gaps in 2020

As we move towards the 2020 workforce, companies face an interesting demographic dynamic in terms of talent acquisition – a workforce comprised of millennials, Gen Xers, baby boomers and traditionalists. While each of these groups has their own generational differences, the most notable are the expectations and approaches to work between millennials, who will make up the majority of the workforce, and baby boomers. With the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook handbook projecting total employment to increase by 15.6 million jobs between 2010 to 2020, generational differences will become an additional component of diversity relations at the workplace. Recruiters and hiring staff must learn to recognize the combined value, perspectives and impact of successfully integrating these distinctly different generations into an organization’s teams, ultimately improving the company’s ability to develop solutions, products and services for the future.

Millennials
Millennials entering the workforce have frequently been characterized as individuals born between 1980 and 2000, who are entitled, lazy, job-hoppers, overly ambitious and unaware of business etiquette. Regardless of how accurate these descriptions are, this generation has demonstrated that it is in search of meaning and purpose. “Millennials want more than just a job; they seek careers that hold their attention and fulfill their ambition, all while providing competitive pay and work-life balance,” says Suzanne Rice, director of U.S. franchise development for MRINetwork. “They want to work for companies that have a reputable brand, as well as products and services of which they can be proud. Unlike older generations, that didn’t have the same access to technology, millennials are driven by out-of-the-box thinking, collaborative approaches to solutions and the ability to leverage the fastest, most efficient means of accomplishing goals.”

Baby Boomers
A growing number of workers age 55 to 64 are continuing to work longer, yet in 2020 this generation of workers will only make up about 20% of the workforce. They have an entirely different approach to work than millennials and are often characterized as conscientious, dedicated, independent-minded workers that enjoy working alone on projects and then rejoining the team to reveal results. “Baby boomers can find it difficult to work with millennials, because they don’t understand the younger generation’s need for coaching, mentorship and collaborative work,” says Rice. “They grew up in a time of stability, economic prosperity and opportunity when higher education and wider career options were becoming more accessible. Parents were away from the home more and children became latch-key kids. As a result, this generation tends to have a work ethic that is focused on self-reliance, paying your dues, putting in overtime and doing everything needed to accomplish tasks.”

Despite the generational differences, millennials and baby boomers do have things in common. Both groups are focused on excellent job performance, and that can work to an organization’s advantage. Millennials bring technology savvy and work efficiencies that can benefit companies. Baby boomers have the ability to provide millennials with insight on work etiquette, the company’s culture and career tracking by demonstrating clear paths for advancement in the company. This type of relationship satisfies millennials’ need for ongoing training, mentorship and collaboration, while providing baby boomers with job stability and value as experienced employees. Companies end up with improved work synergies and succession planning for the organization’s future leaders.

We face an interesting paradox as the industry ushers in the next generation of workers. Adds Rice, “Recruiters and hiring managers will have to become knowledgeable about the different expectations of millennials and baby boomers, providing them with the growth opportunities they seek, while also leveraging their generational differences to create effective teams that can lead companies forward.”

ETS Dental is a Dental Recruiting firm specializing in finding and placing General Dentists, Dental Specialists, and Dental Staff throughout the United States.www.etsdental.com

News/Insights

Pro Hiring Tips: When to hire for your dental practice Hiring

Pro Hiring Tips: When to hire for your dental practice

Sep 3, 2024

Is your practice ready to grow? Do you have an associate leaving to be closer to family?  The specialized recruiters of ETS Dental are here to help you find your next new hir...

Where Are All the Dentists? Hiring

Where Are All the Dentists?

Oct 27, 2021

 The market for dental talent has always been competitive. Several factors have combined to make what was already a tight market even more challenging. These include: Grad...

The One That Got Away Hiring

The One That Got Away

Jun 23, 2021

You thought your staffing issue was solved. You felt you had the right fit, you were confident the job offer was solid, you made the offer, and yet, somehow, they took another...

Are You Ready for What’s Next? Hiring

Are You Ready for What’s Next?

Mar 24, 2021

Everyone is trying to understand what’s coming next in a post-COVID-19 world. While we have no special foresight into the future of the pandemic, we can tell you what we hav...

The Right Questions to Ask When You Meet a Candidate Hiring

The Right Questions to Ask When You Meet a Candidate

Jun 16, 2020

There is a common perception that interviews are about putting the best face forward for both the practice and the potential employee. While it is natural to want to make a go...

Planning Ahead – Hiring for the Future of Your Practice Hiring

Planning Ahead – Hiring for the Future of Your Practice

Apr 22, 2020

With some states in the beginning stages of lifting isolation restrictions and making small, careful steps toward a new normal after the COVID-19 crisis, many of the practice ...

Interview Logistics 101: Putting a Candidate at Ease Hiring

Interview Logistics 101: Putting a Candidate at Ease

Jan 21, 2020

You think you’ve found a candidate who might just be the perfect fit and you’re looking forward to a great interview. However, your candidate could have a flight delay on ...

Ten Great Quotes to Inspire You to Find Your Next Superstar Associate Hiring

Ten Great Quotes to Inspire You to Find Your Next Superstar Associate

Jan 13, 2020

“Hire people who are smarter than you are—whose talents surpass yours—and give them opportunities for growth. It's the smart thing to do and it is a sign of high persona...

New Year. New Hire? Hiring

New Year. New Hire?

Jan 2, 2020

The big ball has dropped. The champagne has popped. The calendar page has turned.  A lot of the planning for 2020 has probably already taken place. Now it’s time to start ...

Playing to Win – How to Seal the Deal with a Potential New Hire Hiring

Playing to Win – How to Seal the Deal with a Potential New Hire

Nov 26, 2019

The rest of the corporate America is dealing with what dental practices have known for years: it's tough to attract and retain top talent. Even when you find a promising candi...