The COVID-19 pandemic has dominated our lives for a year now, seeping into every experience, good or bad, and giving people pause to embracing that human connection that comes so naturally. Even before COVID, though, the workforce had changed and a noticeable shift found senior citizens working longer, 18-year-olds holding down full-time jobs and mid-level professionals doing all that they can to keep up with the ever-changing times.
Whatever career you may have, I would venture to guess that those you work with colleagues who make up at least three, if not four, generations. Personally, I work with Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials and now, Gen Z. This situation is no longer unique to the more traditional office settings either – I have encountered all generations of workers whether I am shopping at Target or ordering from a server when I take my family out to eat.
It’s easy to make assumptions and try to place each generation where we want it to fit: Baby Boomers will all be retired soon; Gen Xers are settling in for the sunset of their careers, while Millennials are starting to take over and Gen Z is Instagramming their way to success. I think as we all know, though, you can’t put a square peg into a round hole.
The society we live in no longer lends itself to retiring at 60 and living out your golden years in a boat by the lake or at the Bingo Hall in Florida (sorry, couldn’t resist!).
Right around sixty years ago, the first Baby Boomers were on the cusp of entering the workforce, their young lives significantly impacted by World War II. A generation that knew struggle, famine, death, uncertainty for the future, would enter the workforce and encounter racism, social injustice, and of course, sexism (why on earth is a *woman* trying to have a career?!).
Wait, wait, wait. Racism and social injustice? Doesn’t that sound a lot like what we hear about today and what so many people are working to combat? It certainly does and it certainly is. You see, for how far society has come and for all the incredible progress that has been made, our work is far from done. In all honesty, the work will never truly be done, but we can make it easier and make the world better if we embrace those qualities that are unique to each of our generations.
Millennials and Gen Z know the world of technology – computers were standard in school, cell phones became the norm, and social media exploded onto the scene and hasn’t slowed down since. Emails, text messaging, FaceTime, all of these communication tools that allow us to exchange information at the push of a button. The advent of technology catapulted everyone and everything out into the open and as a result, there is no more leaving work at the office, tender moments are rarely cherished privately, and if you didn’t post about it, did it actually happen? So much content and so little time.
What about Gen X and the Baby Boomers? They didn’t grow up with cell phones in their pockets or computers in their homes. How on earth did they survive?! Clearly, they did, and brought with them the original soft skills; skills that helped them navigate tough times, hard conversations and continue to help them succeed.
I have had the great fortune of working with several Baby Boomers throughout my career so far, and I can honestly say that I have learned something wonderful from each and every one. Whether it was a lesson in integrity, taking the high road, or simply not being afraid to take a (professional) risk, all of them have helped my confidence grow and shown me that sometimes your purpose is where your power lies.
I know that each generation is unique and as time carries on, it is my hope that we can all continue to celebrate each other and the wonderful skills, personalities and passion we bring to the table.
As life continues and the work carries on, remember that old Bill Withers classic and never forget that we’re all in this together:
I just might have a problem that you’ll understand
We all need somebody to lean on
Lean on me
When you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on…
For it won’t be long
Till I’m gonna need somebody to lean on
About the Author
Kristin Steiner is a Senior Communication Specialist at CSU Channel Islands in Camarillo, CA. Formerly an Information Technology support professional, she made the jump to public relations after several years of working part-time in the field. Enthusiastic about her community, Kristin is thrilled to be working close to home at the youngest campus in the California State University system. Part of a small but mighty Communications team, her role includes running the online News Center, assisting with media relations, serving as the backup Public Information Officer, and providing support for film and photography.
She holds a B.A. in Psychology from CSU Channel Islands. When she is not working, Kristin enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons (and the family pets, Pixie and Ralphie!) and getting outside for a good hike or day at the beach.
