Generations at Work: Managing the Clash of Veterans, Boomers, Xers, and Nexters in Your Workplace

by Ron Zemke, Claire Raines

Profiles the four distinct generations in the modern workplace and offers advice for managing effectively in an age-diverse workplace

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Leadership, Management

280 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1999

Reviews

[Dorene]

This well-written book is formatted in such a way that it can be read cover to cover, or picked apart by section. I like this approach, and I particularly like the end of chapter/section breakdowns that focus on how to best motivate, develop, and manage each generational group.

The only thing that is a "con" for me regarding this book is its age. Written in 2000, it does cannot give full treatise to Generation Y (here referred to as "Nexters"), nor can it address the newest generation to join the workforce: Generation Z.

I would love to see the authors produce an updated edition.

[Tracey]

While not the best nonfiction book I have ever read, it was very interesting. Unfortnately it was writen in 2000 so I had to go on their website to really learn about what they call the "Nexter" generation though. Worth reading if your workplace involves people from various generations working together (more business focused though.)

[Mary Jo]

Helpful and enlightening. Needed the information about GenXers. I'm a boomer and my daughter is a nexter so have those nailed. GenXers were a blank page and am supervising one.

[Tina Zellman]

Gave insight into age diversity and generational differences in today's work environment. Important to understand in order to effectively impact teamwork, productivity, enhanced culture, etc.

[Shannon]

I really liked it and recommend it for writers at all levels.

[OhioRedBird]

Good for it's time. There is a revision I will read but this one is almost twenty years old so out of date.

[Ann]

loved it explained several things.

[Andrea Hintz]

Very interesting from a psychological standpoint.

[Sherri]

This is a far cry from putting gen xers in a positive light. It seems the other generations have something positive to contribute, but in the writers' opinion, we somehow are skeptical, unimpressed, and reluctant to commit (pg 155). If someone introduced me at work and said I had these qualities, I would be highly offended. How about getting to know someone as an individual rather than a (negative) stereotype? Ah, but there again is just a gen xer asking one of their many annoying questions. I'm in a no win situation here and it sucks.

[Hollowell Mary]

This is a very original book. The authors are labor market researchers who found five generations working in America today. They consist of WWII Veterans (some of whom still work as volunteers), Baby Boomers, Generation Xers, Millennials, and members of Generation Z. The authors found patterns that are fascinating. Generations are shaped by key events, and they are quite distinct. I held multi-generational panels in class that were very successful, and my college students agreed with the patterns. The authors provide suggestions for multi-generational workshops.

[Sherry]

I know it said "workplace" in the title, but the definition of that was more limited than I would have liked, considering that I am a public school teacher and can't help but think of the three generations currently teaching at my school. In any event, I fear for the state of education when all of us Boomers are gone!

[Margaret Wallace]

So that explains it. Now I get it. Not all generations are alike and should not be analyzed through the same myopic lens.