Boomers and Gen Xers have different work habits. Boomers value putting in long hours and Gen X employees are concerned with completing work and less on the time it takes.

I am the executive coach of a young executive in a privately owned company. The Baby Boomer owners value “face time”. The company culture strongly encourages hard work and long hours. The Gen X executive gets her work done, but has other priorities. There is a clash between how the generations view work.

What coaching suggestions would you have in this scenario?

Boomers, born from 1946 to 1965 grew up in affluence. Economic progress was assumed, freeing them to focus on idealism and personal growth. Young Xers, went through the recession of the early eighties, only to see the mid-decade glitz dissipate in the 1987 stock-market crash and the recession of 1990 and 91. Gen X could never presume success.

Hours and Output

Another major difference between Boomers and Gen Xers is work habits. Boomers pride themselves on putting in long hours and being the first one into the office and last to leave. They have a stereotypical idea of Gen X employees: slackers unwilling to put in enough time.

But Gen Xers think of hard work as effective output. They are unwilling to put in long hours once they have produced the necessary output for that day. They are less concerned about who sees them in the office, and they largely reject the Boomers definition of hard work.

Gen Xers grew up observing the roller-coaster ride of their parents in the workplace: layoffs, downsizings, difficulties with bosses and years of hard work without anticipated rewards.

Instead, new workers consider control of their time the primary goal, even if extended hours lead to monetary benefits.

What are your views on the work habits of Boomers and Gen Xers?

Dr. Maynard Brusman is a consulting psychologist, executive coach and trusted advisor to senior leadership teams.

We provide strategic talent management solutions to select and develop emotionally intelligent leaders and lawyers.

The Society for Advancement of Consulting (SAC) awarded two rare “Board Approved” designations for Dr. Maynard Brusman in the specialties of Executive/Leadership Coaching and Trusted Advisor to Attorneys and Law Firms.

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