Working Conversations Episode 121:
Are Generations Still Relevant?
Do all Millennials enjoy avocado toast? Are all Gen Xers cynical and jaded? And are all Gen Zers addicted to their phones and unable to hold a face to face conversation?
Of course not!
But some of the generational research would have you thinking otherwise. “Do generational stereotypes truly define who we are? Are individuals neatly categorized by their birth cohorts?”
Recently, the Pew Research Center announced that they were going to stop producing research on generational differences because it is no longer a meaningful construct or way to categorize people.
In this episode, I delve into the complexities of generational dynamics, challenging us to question the relevance of these age-based categorizations in today's rapidly evolving world.
As we think about the future of work, we must be critical about the data sets we are using to understand the present and to make predictions about the future rather than relying on divisive generational labels.
By understanding the relevance of generational research and its limitations, we can create a workplace that thrives on collaboration, mutual respect, and inclusivity.
The Pew Research Center's recent announcement about the limitations of generational research prompts us to explore alternative ways of understanding human behaviour. As we explore together, we'll discover the power of dismantling generational myths and embracing the rich tapestry of experiences that each person brings.
This episode will encourage you to move beyond simplistic generalizations with the guidelines on consumption and understanding of the generational labels.
Listen and catch the full episode here or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also watch it and replay it on my YouTube channel, JanelAndersonPhD.
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LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE:
Episode 102: How Gen Z is Shaping the Future Workplace