“Challenging, Stimulating, Varied Work” – What it means across the generations

Last month, our readers enjoyed a press release regarding the #1 Motivator across the generations. In the press release, we explained that, amazingly, the #1 Motivator across the generations is the same - challenging, stimulating, and varied work!

However, what the press release did not explain, was how the meaning of "challenging, stimulating and varied work" differs from generation to generation.

Veteran employees (1900-1945) consider challenging and stimulating work to be something that makes a difference to their employers bottom line – overall success and their desire to contribute to that success.

Baby Boomers  (1946-1964) feel work must be meaningful. They need to know how their projects and tasks fit in and how their productivity makes a difference to the overall success of the organization.

GenX (1965-1980) employees have a much different take when it comes to what they consider challenging, stimulating and varied work. They consider it to be any challenge that will enhance their skills portfolio and make them more marketable. They require opportunities to build a variety of skills and feel this diversity sets them apart from their older peers.

The Millennial (1981-1999) generation has yet a quite different description of this type of work. They need to work on a variety of projects and assignments that allow them to learn and use new skills. They always want to be part of the “big picture” working on substantial, important projects and not, what they would consider, grunt work.

As you consider how different generations define and understand things differently, try to use this information to become better listeners, better bosses and better observers of employees.