Generational Guru, Recruiter Discuss Energy's Diverse Workforce

However, these new workers will be working alongside older workers nearing, but not quite ready, for retirement, McCullough told Rigzone. Each generation of workers grows up in a different era, and not all of them respond to the same management style that was in use in the energy sector and other industries in the past. So, managers will need to be resourceful to create an environment that is creative, cooperative and harmonious, while still being productive. The days of the “one size fits all” management approach are over, McCullough said, adding that it is becoming increasingly important to accept the needs of each individual. 

The key to understanding the various generations is to know how they differ. There are four generations currently working in the energy industry. The oldest workers are the traditionalists, followed by the baby boomers, and then the gen X’ers. The youngest workers are those in the millennial generation. Each of these generations brings to the working environment its own beliefs, styles and values, McCullough said. Therefore, the ways of communicating, conducting business and even thinking is changing, and they must continue to change in order to accommodate these and future generations of workers.

Each generation helps create, and is shaped by, the events of the times they grew up in, and their values, attributes and work styles reflect these different time periods.

Mccullough and Cook each noted a number of characteristics that differentiate the generations:

• Traditionalists value loyalty, conformity, rules and authority, and are disciplined and detail-oriented
• Baby Boomers value individual choice and focus on individual choices and freedom
• Generation X workers place a high value on family, feedback, autonomy, and creativity
• Millennials crave change, often do more than one thing at a time, like to be active rather than passive, and enjoy working with teams

Managing Energy’s Multi-Generational Workforce

Dealing with the differences between the generations poses a significant challenge for any manager, McCullough said, adding that before it is all over, the workforce will change because of millennials.

“Some baby boomers are looking forward to working with a new group of younger workers, while others have a few reservations. However, millennials can help bring about a change in values that can benefit everyone in the workforce.”

“Millennials do not want to spend eight hours at a job that makes them miserable. Things like child care, time off, better benefits, paternity leave, and the ability to work from home when needed are going to have to become more commonplace,” she said. “The old guard can learn from the new as well. Who’s to say who is right or wrong. We have to acknowledge the differences and embrace them.”