Gender vs Generation

Gender equality changed the workplace in the Western world. Rightfully so. Yet, another element of change awakes in the horizon; the Generational characteristics will command change.

In the next years, generation will replace gender in transforming the workplace. As time ages people, technology ages generations. The technological evolution renders ideas, methods, priorities, and values obsolete. On one hand, policies extend retirement age, forcing employees to work longer in life. On the other hand, as Gen Z and Polar cohorts enter the job market and leadership positions, the balance of culture, education, and gender shifts, affecting diversity and change.

For many years I observed the development of a multicultural group working together. I know their origins, histories, education, and values. At present, I witness four generations of professionals working together. Their definitions of success, accountability, communication style, and ambition differ. Yet, I notice a pattern. If I plot that diversity onto a graph, culture of origin and generation stand out as the strongest characteristics to explain their behavior. Group homogeneity is best represented at the generation cluster instead of gender; generation as a stronger driver of change.

In practice we will observe changes in organizational policies, internal communication styles, performance reporting and evaluation, and remuneration. Those who do not adapt will look like members of a bygone era.