Do You Have a Generation Gap at Your Cleaning Company?

Copyright 2006 The Janitorial Store

In today's workforce there is a new phenomenon happening - there are four distinct generations that are out there working together. What does this mean for your cleaning company? Each generation is unique, which means they bring different attitudes and opinions to their job. This affects you in everything from recruiting to solving conflicts to motivating your cleaning company employees.

To understand what motivates each group, it is important to take a step back and look at their values in general:

The Traditionalists or veterans group were born before 1946 and are now 60 years or older. This is a postwar generation and their nature is to be loyal to a single employer and they expect the same loyalty in return. This generation typically did not grow up with material wealth and they tend to be frugal. As far as the workplace, they show up on time and they take orders well. The Traditionalists show respect to their employers as well as their elders.

Baby Boomers were born between 1946 and 1964. They are the biggest group out in the workforce today. These are the children of the Traditionalists. This group grew up with little in the way of toys or nice clothes, and because of that vowed to make sure their children grew up with everything they didn't have. This group grew up earning an allowance and understand the principle of working hard to earn a living.

Generation X - Gen Xers were born between 1965 and 1980. They are the children of the Baby Boomers. Many individuals in this group grew up with both parents working. This generation saw their parents go through layoffs and noticed that often their parents were miserable in their jobs. So they naturally formed an opinion of having their home life first and the job second. This group pushed for flexible hours and 4-day workweeks. Their priority is to have a job they enjoy and to have fun at work.

Generation Y (also called Millennials or Generation Next) was born between 1981 and 1999 and are just starting to enter the workforce. It is believed that this is a very creative generation and they want to work where they are allowed creativity and flexibility, and the ability to control their own hours. This generation tends to bore quickly and will have several careers in their lifetime. They need more incentive than just a paycheck to do a good job and be a loyal employee.

The rewards and feedback an employee wants from a job also varies depending on the generation:

- The Traditionalists get satisfaction from a job well done.

- The Baby Boomers tend not to appreciate verbal feedback, but want monetary rewards and promotions.

- The Generation X group will ask how they are doing, and want rewards in the form of time off.

- The newest group to enter the workforce, Generation Y wants meaningful work and instant feedback.

For motivation:

- The Traditionalists are looking for someone who appreciates their experience and knowledge.

- Baby Boomers are looking for employers to say that they are needed and valued.

- The Generation X'ers want to be told they can do things their own way and to forget about rules and guidelines.

- And the Generation Y'ers are motivated by working with other creative individuals.

So what does all of this mean to you as the owner of a cleaning company? It's important for you to remember that each generation has distinct values and needs and that they are looking for different types of motivation and rewards from their employment.

To effectively manage various generations, you have to provide the type of incentives that match what each generation is looking for. For example, a Baby Boomer might appreciate a monetary bonus for a job well done whereas a Gen X'er wants a paid day off. Although it takes a little extra work, it is worth the effort to match up the rewards with the generation to keep your employees happy and loyal to your cleaning company.

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Steve Hanson is co-founder of TheJanitorialStore.com, an online community for owners of cleaning companies. Sign up for Trash Talk:Tip of the Week at www.TheJanitorialStore.com . Read success stories at www.cleaning-success.com .