● Changing Workforce



As Human Resources professionals, most of us are aware of the changing demographics of the workforce in the United States. We are continuously reminded of the increase in number of the older persons in the workforce and the smaller number of younger individuals in the workforce.
The graph on the top provides a statistical view of the changing demographics in the United States. The graph on the bottom provides a statistical view of the demographics in Bexar County.

A few facts relating to the changing workforce are:
  • By 2010 the U.S. will have 10 million more jobs than workers
  • Individuals over the age of 55 are the fastest growing segment of the domestic workforce
  • 11% fewer people were born between 1966-85 than between 1945-65
Most organizations can expect a workforce consisting of older employees and a group of younger employees with different preferences and work styles trying to work together and managers accommodating both groups. To get workers of different generations to work together, managers must first understand each group’s characteristics and preferences and use leadership styles appropriate for each individual.

Workplace Traits Most Attributed to Generations

Veterans (a.k.a. Traditionalists, WWI Generation, born before 1945)

• Plan to stay with the organization over the long term.

• Respectful of organizational hierarchy.

• Like structure.

• Accepting of authority figures in the workplace.

• Give maximum effort.

Baby Boomers (born 1945-1964)

• Give maximum effort.

• Accepting of authority figures in the workplace.

• Results driven.

• Plan to stay with the organization over the long term.

• Retain what they learn.

Generation X (born 1965-1980)

• Technologically savvy.

• Like informality.

• Learn quickly.

• Seek work/life balance.

• Embrace diversity.

Nexters (a.k.a. Generation Y, born after 1980)

• Technologically savvy.

• Like informality.

• Embrace diversity.

• Learn quickly.

• Need supervision.

   Source: SHRM Generational Differences Survey Report, 2004.
 
About Us   |   Job Bank   |   Events   |   Newsletter   |   Contact Us   |   Home   |   Site Map
Copyright © 2005 - 2009 San Antonio Human Resource Management Association, Inc. San Antonio, Texas. All rights reserved. Site designed and developed by Imagicepts Inc.