I was born in the so called baby boomers era. We then have had Gen X, Gen Y, Gen Z, millennials and so on. Each generation brings some unique characteristics along with them. In every phase of life, we live with multiple generations and hence we need to learn to live and thrive, in a multi-generational society.

A lot of talk is there at present ,as to how do we deal with millennials and so on. However, the reality is that many generations co-existed from time immemorial. So, it is not something new ,we are discovering today.

Every generation thought the next generation was not as good as they were. They felt the values had degenerated and the seniors were not respected, as much as in the past. Each generation tries to live in the past rather than foresee the future, which is evolving in front of them.

It is true that each generation will be different and their behaviour, norms and social ethos ,will be different. We can neither live in the past nor discard the developments in the present and the likely scenario in the future.

In my view, the behaviour and ethos of every generation is possibly determined by the environment around them. For eg. the baby boomers may have lived through multiple challenges, lived and worked for their survival ,on a day to day basis. The Gen X comparatively had a comfortable place to stay and got educated ,as per their needs.

Gen Y had more comforts from a physical sense ,as the Gen X could afford more material luxuries than the previous generation. Gen Y had more risk taking ability and hence ventured outside their comfort zones and moved across the country. Gen Z have become truly global and live more in the present than all the previous generations.

Each generation has the opportunity to learn from the other generations and build on their strengths. For eg, Gen X could learn from the sacrifices of the baby boomers. Gen Y could appreciate the comforts provided by Gen X to them. Gen Z can appreciate the risk taking abilities of Gen Y ,so as to enable them move across the globe and find their passions.

It is fashionable in organisations today to talk of multi generational workforce and how they have challenges in managing them. It is a reality that multiple generations, have been part of history in organisations ,always. May be the challenges were different and our ability to manage them ,were different.

Having said all that, it may be helpful to understand the strengths of each generation in the organisation and build on them so that the subsequent generations ,benefit from their deeds.

Yes, each generation will face a set of challenges and it is upto us to adapt to this shift and learn from the changes happening around us. We need to learn from both the generations, senior and junior to us.

Let us learn the generational shift and thrive in this change.

S Ramesh Shankar

10th Jan 2025