Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/513426
20 | /INSIGHT ON MANUFACTURING • May 2015 w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g . c o m Boomers (1946 – 1964) is group is nearing retirement, or at least beginning to think seriously about it. ey value success, work long hours and are good team players. ey believe they've earned some respect from younger workers. And while their skills are part of their success, a strong work ethic and "face time" in the workplace are even more important. Generation X (1965 – 1980) As one of my co-workers puts it, "Generation X is the Jan Brady of generations." Stuck between the boomers and millennials, they're the middle child screaming for attention. ey're looking for upward mobility, but are jockeying with boomers who haven't retired yet and millennials who think they should be fast-tracked to the C-suite. Millennials (1981 – 2000) is generation began entering the workforce in 2004, but they're just getting up to speed. ey're digital natives who MILLENNIALS. MUCH IS BEING WRITTEN ABOUT this group (born between 1981 and 2000) in anguished blogs and articles decrying how they're so "different." Didn't our parents say that about us and our friends? Truth is, every generation is disconnected with those that follow. With the skills shortage facing so many manufacturers large and small, the very future of manufacturing hinges on the millennials — 10,000 turn 21 every day. Millennials will make up 75 percent of the U.S. workforce by 2025. ey're bigger than the baby boom. Within the next 15 years, the lauded baby boomers will all have turned 65 and account for just 20 percent of the U.S. workforce. ere's a huge turnover coming and most organizations are woefully unprepared to deal with it, much less take advantage of the inherent opportunities in front of us starting right now. e annual manufacturing survey by omasNet states it clearly: "For the industry to sustain its steady climb, all the fundamentals need to be in place, and one of them is missing — a robust pipeline of skilled workers. Having the people to operate the machines, work the lines and create new products is mission-critical. Yes — manufacturers are hiring and developing people — but to keep up with the opportunities at hand, they will need to recruit faster, smarter and harder." Understanding the shift Your workforce is currently made up of three groups: boomers, Generation X and millennials. Boomers are retiring, and there aren't enough GenX-ers to fill their shoes. at means the younger set is going to have a big voice in how things are done. While individuals vary widely, each group has some generally-shared characteristics: Manufacturing: e next generation This misunderstood, untapped resource has much to offer in the workplace INSIGHT FROM ... PATRICK HOPKINS, IMAGINASIUM With the skills shortage facing so many manufacturers large and small, the very future of manufacturing hinges on the millennials — 10,000 turn 21 every day. Millennials will make up 75 percent of the U.S. workforce by 2025.