In previous years, workplaces have managed between three and four different generations at one time. Skip forward to 2020 and there’ll be five generations working side by side.
According to the World Health Organization, healthy individuals at age 60 may be physically able to continue working until they’re between 74 and 77 years old. As younger generations enter the workforce, it’s possible they won’t just be working alongside their parents or grandparents—but potentially even their great-grandparents. This shift highlights the need for businesses to adapt to an increasingly age-diverse workplace.
From Maturists (born 1924-1945), Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) and Generation X (born 1965-1976) to Generation Y (born 1977-1995) and Generation Z (born 1996 onwards), each group works in their own way and communication preferences vary. This is an important aspect for organisations to consider as it is essential that information and business policies reach all individuals effectively.
In recent years, data security has become more critical than ever. Studies indicate that 68% of large organizations now provide continuous security awareness training for their staff. By consistently reinforcing security practices through regular updates and reminders, companies can cultivate a culture of awareness and accountability—leading to a stronger, more resilient security foundation across the entire workforce.
How can organizations best communicate data security to five different generations?
Five generations
Generation Y, are the fastest growing workforce segment. Seeking freedom and flexibility in the workplace, this demographic will make up almost 80% of the workforce this year according to a report by PwC. Baby Boomers and Generation X, who have up until now accounted for approximately 70% of the workforce, value security and structure in their jobs over the freedom craved by Millennials.
Technology and communication
Technology is now at the forefront of the workplace landscape and is subsequently changing the way in which we communicate. Millennials and Generation Z are keen on social media, blogging and texting to communicate. Maturists and Baby Boomers prefer more traditional forms of communication such as letters or the use of the telephone.
Data Security
According to Forrester, Millenials are digitally integrated into the world at all times as opposed to Generation X who use technology purely for convenience. Millenials are much more concerned with convenience and productivity, with security being less of a priority. For this generation, leaked information is more tolerable and almost expected.
Accommodating the different ways in which each generation prefers to work is a difficult but important task. When communicating a data security policy, Generation X may prefer PowerPoint presentations or a handbook, whilst younger workers might gravitate towards more interactive, technology-based methods of learning and understanding.