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Multiple Generations in the Workplace

Generational Demographics

As people in the United States are living and working longer, the workforce composition has shifted and will continue to become more generationally diverse (see Figures 2 and 3).

Figure 2: U.S. Population by Generation

Figure 3: Estimates and Projection of Generations in the U.S. Workplace 2010–2020

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2007.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2007.

Workforce Continuum People in each generation are in different stages of their professional careers, as illustrated in Figure 4. Millennials are slowly entering the workplace and are projected to comprise 50 percent of the workforce by 2020. Generation Xers are advancing their careers in the workforce. Most Gen Xers are middle managers, while baby boomers fill leadership roles and are approaching retirement. Due to the 2008 recession, millennials are less likely to be employed than were Generation Xers and baby boomers at their age 5 , and baby boomers are delaying retirement and working longer. 6 Most traditionalists have retired, with only about 5 percent or less active in the workforce today. 7

Figure 4: Intergenerational Workforce Continuum

Source: AHA CPI, 2014.

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Managing an IntergenerationalWorkforce: Strategies for Health Care Transformation