Boomers in the Workplace

From my perception - Boomers are one of the most hard working generations!  Other generations often see them as work-alcoholics and ‘living to work’; after all, it was Boomers  that created the 60 hour work week.  The truth is that it is easy for any outsider to be critical of this generation, but when a person has been raised in a time when there are jobs available for only 1 out of every 2 people – working hard is a means of survival! They developed this phenomenal work ethic because they needed to, or else they wouldn’t have had a job!.

In terms of what they value at work - this generation values not only job security (they want to know they have a job) but they really want recognition! The difference between recognition and appreciation (which X & Y’s like) is that recognition is something tangible, like a corner office, the new parking spot, a picture with the president, or a plaque. Boomers also like promotion (a symbol of climbing the corporate ladder) and monetary bonuses. Basically, recognition is a symbol which confirms that they have done a great job while appreciation is expressed verbally, through our words (Boomers also value this, just not as highly as recognition).