This document discusses a study that examined perceptions of different generations (Millennials, Generation X, and Baby Boomers) in the workplace. Some key findings include: Millennials are seen as most tech-savvy and creative, while Baby Boomers have a strong work ethic; Baby Boomers have negative perceptions of Millennials and see them as complainers and not taking responsibility; Millennials also acknowledge weaknesses in their generation; and each generation rates itself more positively than other generations rate them. The conclusion calls for understanding generational differences and investing in ways to bridge gaps.

1. Why Can’t We Be Friends?
7 Ways Generations Clash in the
Workplace and How They Can Get
Along

2. Introduction
Three generations now occupy the workplace, and each brings its own strengths and
weaknesses. But how does each generation view the others? What plusses and minuses
is each known for? For our 2015 State of Enterprise Work Report, we set out to answers
these questions. These answers might surprise you…

3. Finding #1: Overall, Generation X is more associated with positive
characteristics than other generations.

4. We asked office workers: “Thinking about the employees at your company, which
generation does each characteristic most describe?”

5. Finding #2: Millennials are known for creativity and tech-savviness.

6. 72% said Millennials were “Most Tech-Savvy”
47% said Millennials were “Most Creative”

7. Finding #3: Baby Boomers are known for their strong work ethic.

8. 50% said Baby Boomers had “Strongest Work Ethic”

9. Finding #4” Baby Boomers don’t think much of Millennials.

10. Only 6% of Baby Boomers said Millennials were “Hardest Workers”
Only 6% identified Millennials as “Most Productive”
Only 6% identified Millennials as “Most Friendly/Helpful”
1% associated Millennials with “Strongest Work Ethic”

11. 51% of Baby Boomers said Millennials were “Biggest Roadblocks”
56% identified Millennials as “Biggest Complainers”
61% identified Millennials as “Least Cooperative”
76% identified Millennials as “Least Likely to Take Responsibility”

12. Finding #5: Even Millennials agreed that their generation could use some improvement.

13. 49% of Millennials identified themselves as “Biggest Complainers”
54% identified themselves as “Least Likely to Take Responsibility”

14. Finding #6: Millennials aren’t too thrilled with Baby Boomers, either.

15. Only 5% of Millennials said that Baby Boomers were “Most Productive”
Only 5% said Baby Boomers were “Best Troubleshooters”
Only 2% said Baby Boomers were “Most Creative”
1% said Baby Boomers were “Most Tech-Savvy”

16. 47% said Baby Boomers were “Least Cooperative”
54% called Baby Boomers “Biggest Roadblocks”

17. Finding #7: Each generation rates itself higher than other generations do.

18. Millennials

19. Generation X

20. Baby Boomers

21. Conclusion
Every generation has something to contribute in the workplace.
Understanding the differences between the generations, enterprise teams
should invest in tools and processes that bridge these gaps, keep
communication open, and take advantage of strengths.
Click here to read the full State of Enterprise Work Report.