Today we live in a 6 generations society and 5 generations working world.

• Economic Miracle Generation – born between 1935 – 1950
• Baby Boomer Generation – born between 1950 – 1965
• Generation X – born between 1965 – 1980
• Generation Y – born between 1980 – 1995
• Generation Z – born between 1995 – 2010
• Generation Alpha – born from 2010

The rules of the game in our world are changing. Nevertheless, many areas today still operate in the mode of experience. But experience alone is no longer enough to solve all the challenges that lie ahead. A new way of thinking and acting is needed.

What Millennials – Generation Y and Z have in common is that they have no respect for the status quo. On the contrary, they challenge the status quo – politically, socially, economically and set a new pace. Examples: Gamestop, Nike vs. Adidas, Black Live Matters, Fridays for Future.

Fifty years after the ’68 generation, we are dealing with a generation that wants to solve problems ad hoc and radically. They are using the power of the most important mass technology of our time, the Internet, coupled with digital connectivity, to create micro-movements out of thin air and disrupt centuries-old systems and institutions, socially, politically, economically.

We must begin to question the status quo

What if, in 2030, more than 70% of your colleagues belong to generations Y, Z and Alpha? What does this mean for marketing, sales, communication, knowledge management, product portfolio, organizational culture or leadership?

Thinking about the future and acting differently today in order to attract young talent and customers – in an attention economy – and then retain them in the longer term.

On the customer side, for example, this requires a best customer experience in a frictionless hybrid journey. On demand is the new expectation in a new experience economy. Positive emotions and wow moments are an important basis for retaining Millennials as customers for longer.

Modern communication in a digital world

The most volatile molecule of the future and the most disloyal generation of the future are Millennials. As employees and customers. More than 50% of Generation Z is questioning the job and thinking about quitting (The Great Resignation – The Great Reshuffle). There are currently 3 new Purpose dimensions: Contribution, Community, Passion orientation vs. Status and Benefit orientation. Millennials generations are driving the implementation of ESG issues, including in tech and finance.

The new reality demands a fluid mindset

The complexity of our world can no longer be tackled with mental monocultures alone.  We need a high diversity of thought – Millennials have grown up the most diverse; behavioral economics approach to higher diversity of thought.

Dr. Steffi Burkhart is an expert on generational change and speaks in lectures and workshops about the future of companies, workplace of the future, leadership & workforce shortages.