Managing the new generation

As the Silent Generation quickly approaches retirement, and the Baby Boomer generation moves into management and supervisory roles, a new generation is entering the workforce. Generation Xers were born between 1965 and 1975, at a time when the country experienced high prices, wage inflation, stagnant consumer demands, and increased unemployment. Perhaps as a result, newcomers to today's workforce often have different characteristics, behavioral traits, and belief systems from their predecessors. To effectively supervise and motivate individuals from this unique generation, health care managers must begin by understanding the evolutions that have shaped each generation and influenced the workforce. In doing so, managers can create a thriving multigenerational work environment and embrace supervisory concepts that attract and motivate the new generation.