Multi-generational Learning in the Workplace: Introduction & Thesis Question


Workplaces are currently employing 4 generations (by birth date) of workers.

These workers have different values, learning styles, problem solving / decision making abilities, personal directions & work ethic.

The goal for today's workplace is to manage the challenges associated with multi-generational diversity so that learning will meet the needs of the worker and, the mandate of the organization.


Thought provoking question for this presentation


Just how well are employers in Canada addressing this "learning equity" concern and thus, providing access to enriching and "learner-centred" training environments in the workplace?


Learning Objectives

This presentation will assist the learner to:


1. Understand the "cultural" issues related to learning that flow from multi-generational diversity & complexity in the workplace?

2. Discuss the extent that organizations promote or inhibit workplace learning across the "multi-generational learning divide."

3. Describe a solution/model from the literature that can improve workplace learning intiatives.


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Definitions, Quotes and Implications


Multi-generational - generally defined by a common age location in history and a collective peer personality.

Neil Howe & William Strauss


"When you were born influences your personality and attitudes more than does the family that raised you"

Jean Twenge - author of "Generation Me"


Changing Employer's Behaviour about Training

"Employers face a major challenge in maintaining and generating employee's skills so they can contribute to their organizations' performance and competitiveness. Given Canada's aging workforce, and predicted labour shortages, lifelong learning will play a critical role in their - and in our nation's- future prosperity. Investing our people so they have the necessary skills to be productive and innovative is crucial."

Conference Board of Canada


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'StatFacts'

Labour Force Information by age - Statistics Canada 2009

16.8% of workers were ages 15-24 years ........Gen Y and Gen X

21.3% of workers were ages 25-54 years ...........Gen X and Boomers

16% of workers were 55+ years.................Traditionalists

*****Stats Can (2009)

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How well are Canadian employers providing equitable access to training for multi-generational workers?



Fact #1: "Worker training is highly concentrated in Canada, among younger workers, those with higher education and skills levels, and workers in larger firms"

Fact #2: Canada placed 12th in 2002 and only 24th in 2004 on survey that sought to explore the priority that employers place on training


Let's break this down further...


Fact #3: Participation in workplace learning in Canada is highest in younger workers and declines with age:


42% of workers aged 25-34 participated in workplace learning

34% of workers aged 35-54

23% of workers aged 55-64

****Canadian Council on Learning (2007)

Fact #4: Percentage of Workforce with access to training by age (U.S. data)


56% of workers aged 18-30
65% of workers aged 31-49

67% of worker aged 50+

*****Shen, Pitt-Catsouphes, Smyer 2007

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Multi-generational learning and training in the workplace - defining the differences

So, what can be done to improve multi-generational learning in the workplace and traverse the "learning divide?" First, what do we know about the differences in training and learning amongst the generations?

Traditionalists learning style: Classroom

Traditionalist training ideal: "The hardway"

Boomer learning style: Facilitated

Boomer training ideal: "Too much and I'll leave"

Gen X learning style: Independent

Gen X training ideal: "Required to keep me"

Gen Y learning style: Collaborative with networking

Gen Y training ideal: Continuous and expected

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Can the healthcare learning in the workplace literature offer any solutions?

Is there a framework to offer training that is acceptable across the generations?


Utilizing the Progressive Professional Development Model (PPDM)



1) Understand generational differences in learning: Learning Styles / Preferences

Boomers: 34% of workforce

  • Willing learners, prefer structured environments and clear guidelines to be engaged in learning

Gen X: 18% of workforce

  • Like an environment where they can show their expertise; want to know bottom line of what they need to know and view education as needed for goal attainment; time is a huge issue so learning must be efficient and time responsible; feel they are progressive enough to accept training developed for Millennials (upward compatibility of learning style with next generation)

Millenial: 33% of workforce

  • Tech savy; need personal feedback, structure guidance but extensive orientation; read less; use technology to stay "connected"; like group activites, simulation; difficulty with critical analysis as so much information is available to them; doing more important than knowing (knowing "half-life is short in nursing) - like trial and error and multi-tasking; no downward compatibility of learning style with previous generation; will not accept Gen X-developed education - feel it's "antiquated"



2) Engage multi-generational learning diversity in workers using:

The Progressive Professional Development Model (PPDM)

PPDM includes:

1. Virtual practice:

  • Text-based scenarios on web and Avatar technology
  • Allows for learning that is based within the context of the work; learning takes placed individually or, in groups
  • Easily adapted to provide anyplace, anytime learning and problem-solving skill upgrades

2. Simulated practice:

  • Stand-alone education or combined with virtual methods
  • A variety of technologies for use across disciplines
  • Often uses a mechanism to represent real-life situations*
  • (*you may also wish to read related MAIS 645 course readings on Competency-based learning)

3. Standardized Patients (actors)

  • Portray the critical elements of a scenario via acting
  • Used with an evaluation tool to assess skill and knowledge to deal with patient within that scenario




Summary
  • 3-4 generations of workers laboring side by side in workforce today
  • When you were born influences your work ideals and notions about training in the workplace, your "comfort" with technology, preferences for learning etc.
  • In Canada, the largest number of workers in the labor force are Gen X and Baby Boomers age 25-54
  • Canada's workforce is aging (Boomers, plus those 55+ years) but training in greatest quantity is only available to those in the 25-34 years bracket
  • Employers generally make mistakes when providing learning opportunities to employees, ignoring factors other than age, such as social, economic, cultural and ethnic issues, while making assumptions about technology capabilities based solely upon age, variations in learning style preferences, while neglecting upward/downward compatibility of styles between generations - this creates barriers to access and compromises the acceptability of the learning
  • The Progressive Professional Development Model (PPDM) provides a multi-pronged approach to workplace learning by capitalizing on three modalities of training that are in-line with current workplace training methods and technologies
  • The PPDM provides an approach that addresses multi-generational learning diversity

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*Navigation Notes

To make best use of this presentation, please feel free to explore the Slide shows, Podcast, Multimedia bar videos and Resources in the right-hand side of this blog

*Blogger's Reflections

"Hi fellow classmates....

Just to note that this blog requires reading from side to side; I recognize that some of the information on the right probably should have been on left to provide background prior to reading the blog posts. I have attempted to change, but this will create a multitude of HTML coding issues! Another note...sometimes the video bar displays unrelated videos at first glance...simply scroll to bottom of page, then back up to bar - this should now show the list of multi-generational shows. If not, log out, then back in...weird glitch, huh?!

Thanks for your patience and understanding when on this site - this was my first blog attempt!" (o: ......Elke

*Class Discussion

Scroll to bottom of page for discussion questions based upon this topic - back link provided to AU Moodle Board