How the Generation Gap Can Affect Your Home Cleaning Company
In today's workforce there is a new phenomenon happening - there are currently four distinct generations (with a fifth about to enter the workforce) that are out there working together. Each generation is unique, which means they bring different attitudes and opinions to the job. This will impact your cleaning business in everything from recruiting to solving conflicts to motivating your employees.
The generation gap and your home cleaning company
As different and unique as each individual person is, the same can be said about the different generations. They will perceive themselves and others differently, as well as perform differently. How many times have you heard the phrase, “When I was your age, we had to walk twenty five miles to school, uphill in the snow, both ways.” Meaning, the older generations like “Traditionalists” or “Baby Boomers” tends to perceive the younger generation as having it much easier than they used to. Now, Millennial's may perceive older generations as “stuck in their ways” and may consider them the frail and vulnerable generation. Generation gaps and cultural differences and perceptions are definitely nothing new.
“I see no hope for the future of our people if they are dependent on the frivolous youth of today, for certainly all youth are reckless beyond words... When I was young, we were taught to be discreet and respectful of elders, but the present youth are exceedingly disrespectful and impatient of restraint”. This quote is attributed to an early Greek poet named Hesiod, and was written over 3000 years ago.
As you can see, there have always been interaction and communication issues with different generations throughout the generations, and more than ever today. Business owners need to be able to recognize these differences and quickly resolve or develop solutions to effectively deal with them if they become a problem.
To understand what motivates each group, it is important to take a step back and look at their values in general.
Traditionalists/Veterans
This group was born before 1946 and is now 70+ years old. This is a postwar generation and their nature is to be loyal to a single employer and they expect the same loyalty in return. This generation typically did not grow up with material wealth and they tend to be frugal. As far as the workplace, they show up on time and they take orders well. The Traditionalists show respect to their employers as well as their elders. This generation is now only a small fraction of the workforce because of their age.
Baby Boomers
They were born between 1946 and 1964, and are sometimes referred to as the “Me Generation”. These are the children of the Traditionalists. This group grew up with little in the way of toys or nice clothes, and because of that vowed to make sure their children grew up with everything they didn't have. This group grew up earning an allowance and understands the principle of working hard to earn a living.
Generation X
Gen Xers were born between 1965 and 1976. They are the children of the Baby Boomers. Many individuals in this group grew up with both parents working. This generation saw their parents go through layoffs and noticed that often their parents were miserable in their jobs. So they naturally formed an opinion of having their home life first and the job second. This group pushed for flexible hours and 4-day workweeks. Their priority is to have a job they enjoy and to have fun at work.
Generation Y / Millennial
They were born between 1977 and 1990. This generation is commonly referred to as the “Millennial Generation”. Millennial's have surpassed the Baby Boomer generation in the U.S. population as of 2016. It is believed that this is a very creative generation and they want to work where they are allowed creativity and flexibility, and the ability to control their own hours. This generation tends to bore quickly and will have several careers in their lifetime. They need more incentive than just a paycheck to do a good job and be a loyal employee.
Generation Z
They were born since 1991 with no ending birth years. They are referred to as “Post-Millennial” or “Founders”. They are the children of the Generation X and may have parents from Generation Y. This generation was born in the technology era, meaning they are quite familiar with computers, smart phones, tablets, and socializing via Facebook or other website platforms. Generation Z tends to be the most independent of all the generations, and identify themselves as open-minded, caring, attentive, and responsible. Most of this generations will be graduating high school soon and will be entering the workforce, if not already.
The rewards and feedback an employee wants from a job varies depending on the generation:
- The Traditionalists get satisfaction from a job well done.
- The Baby Boomers tend not to appreciate verbal feedback, but want monetary rewards and promotions.
- The Generation X group will ask how they are doing, and want rewards in the form of time off.
- The newest group to enter the workforce, Generation Y wants meaningful work and instant feedback.
- The jury is still out on Generation Z.
For motivation:
- The Traditionalists are looking for someone who appreciates their experience and knowledge.
- Baby Boomers are looking for employers to say that they are needed and valued.
- The Generation X'ers want to be told they can do things their own way and to forget about rules and guidelines.
- And the Generation Y'ers is motivated by working with other creative individuals.
- Surveys show that Generation Z will pursue jobs that they find interesting, impactful, providing an opportunity to help others, and including plenty of monetary compensation.
So what does all of this mean to you as the owner of a cleaning company?
It's important for you to remember that each generation has distinct values and needs and that they are looking for different types of motivation and rewards from their employment. To effectively manage various generations, you have to provide the type of incentives that match what each generation, or person, is looking for.
For example, a Baby Boomer might appreciate a monetary bonus for a job well done whereas a Gen X'er would prefer a paid day off. Knowing what motivates each generation and person within your company, whether money, time off, or a simple pat on the back, it is worth the effort to match up the rewards with the generation to keep your employees happy and loyal to your cleaning company.
It is key to try and understand each generation and what sets them apart. Then, get to know each of your employees individually; what motivates them, what inspires them, what makes them “tic”.
With the wide array of people today, from all the different generations, and with a new generation about to enter the workforce, it will be more important than ever to cultivate a workplace that overcomes the obstacles that can be created by generational gaps.
Their work ethic, attitude, values, ideas of how to dress, ways of communicating, and general worldly views will most likely be quite diverse. It will be your job to bridge the gap, build cohesion, and create a “team work” type atmosphere in the workplace. Making sure everyone is non-judgmental and respectful to one another, can put their differences aside, and work toward the common goal of being the best cleaning business out there, regardless of the age differences.
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Today's workplace and work force is more complicated than ever. Each generation is unique, and this can create unique challenges for the home cleaning business owner. Hiring, training, and conflicts can become less of a challenge by incorporating the Employee Power Pack. |
