Baby Boomers were born between 1946 and 1964. Baby boomers are aptly named for the post-war surge in births. Due to inadequate infrastructure and overcrowded schools, Boomers learned to work together. They work well in groups because they had no choice. Baby Boomers have higher education levels than previous generations, thanks to the GI Bill.
Dr. Benjamin Spock, an American pediatrician, wrote the book Baby and Child Care (1946). It is one of the best-sellers of all time. The book’s premise is that mothers “know more than you think you do.” His ideas about childcare influenced several generations of parents to be more flexible and affectionate with their children, treating them as individuals. His books were criticized for propagating permissiveness and instant gratification.
The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan is widely regarded as a pivotal work that sparked the beginning of second-wave feminism in the United States. Friedan challenged the widely shared belief in the 1950s that “fulfillment as a woman had only one definition for American women after 1949– the housewife-mother.” In 1964, The Feminine Mystique became the bestselling nonfiction book.
The Value of Boomers in the Workplace
Boomers represent 29 percent of the working population. The youngest baby boomers are in their early 50s. Many older baby boomers continue to work, either by choice or out of necessity.
Baby Boomers are experienced employees, having worked for at least 30 years already. There is no substitute for experience, not even extensive education. There is a significant gap between the skills learned in formal education and the realities of the world. Boomers’ experience makes them better leaders and qualified mentors. They bring a different perspective than generations before and after them. A track record of success makes them credible in business deals.
“When it comes to problem-solving, having different generations of employees tackling the same issue brings a much higher level of creativity, perspective, and empathy that is truly unique,” says Lidia Shong, head of marketing at aboutLife, a retirement-planning website. “Baby boomers may understand certain customer problems better than anyone else and often have a better insight into what it takes to solve it.” (Source: https://recruiterbox.com/blog/hiring-for-diversity-baby-boomers)
Communicating with Boomers
Boomers have mature interpersonal skills. They are more likely to be comfortable talking face-to-face or over the phone. They are less shy of the tough conversations than younger generations.
Focus on teamwork and give as much information about a topic or project as possible. They prefer instructions to be given step-by-step.
Effectively Managing Boomers
Don’t ignore boomers thinking they’ll retire soon. They might not and other employees are watching. Make them mentors. Assign to Gen X/Y/Z. Keep projects fresh. Make your workplace boomer-friendly.
60 percent leave due to health problems. Can you make your workplace more accommodating? 22 percent leave to care for a family member. Can you offer eldercare services, flextime, or part-time work options? 10 percent retire due to a lack of transferable skills. Offer every employee training opportunities.
*You may also wish to read Tips for Young, New, and Inexperienced Leaders Who Manage Seasoned Employees
