Effective leadership in today’s healthcare environment is more important than ever, as organizations face chronic staff shortages and burnout. Fifty-five percent of healthcare workers now report burnout, from both mental and physical exhaustion due to chronic workplace stress. In addition, the highest rate of burnout is among the youngest staff, ages 18 to 29, at 69%. 

Add to this the lingering stress from the COVID pandemic and its sequelae, for which 62% of healthcare workers have reported some mental health repercussions, including depression, anxiety, and mental distress.

Part of effective leadership is understanding the generational differences in the workforce and how various approaches help avoid:

• • Healthcare access issues
  • Decrease in quality
  • Healthcare worker burnout / moral injury
  • Quiet quitting

Generations in the workforce include:

• • Traditionalists (Silent Generation): Born roughly between 1928 and 1945. They value loyalty, discipline, and hard work. They might prefer more traditional communication methods.
  • Baby Boomers: Born roughly between 1946 and 1964. Baby boomers tend to value stability, teamwork, and respect for authority. They often prefer face-to-face communication and might be less comfortable with technology.
  • Generation X: Born roughly between 1965 and 1980. Gen Xers are known for their independence, adaptability, and skepticism. They tend to value work-life balance and might prefer a mix of communication methods.
  • Millennials (Generation Y): Born roughly between 1981 and 1996. Millennials value flexibility, purpose-driven work, and a good work-life balance. They are comfortable with technology.
  • Generation Z: Born roughly between 1997 and early 2010s. Gen Zers are known for their tech-savviness, entrepreneurial spirit, and desire for authenticity. They are comfortable with various communication tools and platforms.

Managing multiple generations in the workforce can present challenges due to differing preferences, communication styles, and work values. Understanding generational differences, fostering inclusion and collaboration, creating open communication and flexible work arrangements, mentorship, and professional development are key to helping managers navigate these new frontiers in the workplace. View the on-demand webinar for more information and tips for success.