Workplace motivators

When it comes to the workplace, there are varying motivational factors for the differing generations, according to Entrepreneur’s “Motivating Gen X, Gen Y Workers.” Baby boomers typically value work for the monetay reward, which is scaled to the quality and quantity of work completed. The harder one works, the better off one will be financially.

In contrast, since many Gen Xers grew up watching their parents overwork and sacrifice family time, work/life balance is priority. Gen Xers tend to be motivated by opportunities for personal and professional growth and mentoring.

Gen Yers or Millenials are accustomed to a fast pace environment with lots of stimuli. Their strength is in their ability to multi-task, but their challenge may be in being perceived as the “entitlement” generation. Millenials need collaboration, engaged leadership, open communication, positive reinforcement, technology, and positive challenges.

While we shouldn’t oversimplify it, a working knowledge of the motivating factors among the generations can do wonders for building team rapport.