8 workplace norms Boomers are finding it hard to let go of

When a Boomer walks into a modern office, you can practically see the gears turning in their head. The open layouts, flexible hours, and the lack of a dress code can be a shock to their system.

It’s not their fault, though. Baby Boomers grew up in a very different era of work, with distinct norms and expectations that are deeply ingrained.

But times have changed, and so has the workplace.

This isn’t to say that all Boomers are stuck in their ways – far from it. Many have adapted beautifully to these changes. But there are certain workplace norms that some Boomers are finding hard to let go of.

So, let’s dive into these 8 workplace norms and understand this generation’s perspective. After all, empathy is key when it comes to building a resilient, inclusive workspace where everyone thrives.

1) The 9-5 Schedule

Ah, the 9-5 grind.

The quintessential symbol of productivity for Boomers, and a norm they find particularly hard to shake off.

For them, work is a place you go to at a certain time, put in your hours, and leave when the clock strikes five. The idea of flexible hours or remote working can be a bit alien to this generation.

But here’s the thing – it’s not just about clocking in and out. It’s about the sense of discipline, routine, and structure that a firm schedule provides. For Boomers, these elements are synonymous with professionalism and commitment.

So, while the modern workplace is moving towards more flexible schedules, it’s important to understand why this particular norm is so ingrained in the Boomer psyche.

And who knows? Maybe there’s a middle ground where flexibility and structure can coexist. After all, isn’t that what innovation is all about?

2) Face-to-Face Communication

Picture this. I walk into the office on a Monday morning, coffee in hand, and before I even get to my desk, my Boomer colleague stops me for a chat.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I appreciate a good conversation. But when there’s a mountain of work waiting for me, it can feel like an interruption.

You see, Boomers value face-to-face communication. They believe that important discussions should be held in person, not over an email or a text message.

For them, nothing beats the human connection and clarity that comes from talking things out in person.

I remember once when we were transitioning to a new software system.

Instead of sending out an email with instructions, my Boomer colleague insisted on walking each team member through the process personally.

While it did take more time, I must admit, it created a sense of camaraderie and mutual support among us that an email never could have achieved.

So, yes, while the digital age has made communication faster and more efficient, we mustn’t forget the value of a good old face-to-face conversation.

3) Dress Codes

Back in the 1960s, the workplace was a sea of suits and ties, with pencil skirts and heels for the ladies. What you wore to work was a reflection of your professionalism and status.

Boomers grew up in this era, where dressing formally for work was the norm. So, it’s no surprise that they find it hard to let go of this particular tradition.

In today’s casual Friday culture, where hoodies and sneakers are considered acceptable office attire, this can be a bit of a culture shock.

But here’s something to chew on: Studies have shown that what we wear can actually impact our performance and behavior.

A term coined as “enclothed cognition” suggests that the clothes we wear can influence our psychological processes and can even improve our abstract thinking and negotiation skills.

So maybe those Boomers are onto something after all. While comfort is key, perhaps there’s still a place for some formality in our work attire.

4) Hierarchical Structures

In a Boomer’s world, there’s a clear line of command in the workplace. You have your bosses, your managers, and then the employees. Orders come from the top and trickle down to the bottom.

This isn’t just about maintaining order. It’s about respect for authority and acknowledging experience and expertise.

But today’s workplaces are increasingly embracing flat structures, where everyone’s ideas are valued and hierarchies are blurred.

For Boomers, this can be a tough pill to swallow. In their eyes, it might seem like disorder or an undermining of authority.

It’s not about putting anyone in their place or stunting creativity. Rather, it’s about understanding why Boomers attach so much importance to hierarchy and finding ways to maintain respect and order while still promoting inclusivity and collaboration.

5) The Power of Paper

I’m a digital native. I love the convenience of having everything at my fingertips, from meeting notes to project plans. But, I’ve noticed something interesting with my Boomer colleagues – they love their paper.

Whether it’s a printed meeting agenda or physical copies of project documents, there seems to be a certain comfort in having tangible items to hold and read.

I once asked a Boomer colleague why she preferred paper over digital documents. She told me that she finds it easier to digest information when it’s on paper, plus she enjoys the tactile experience of flipping through pages.

It made me realize that while we’re speeding towards a paperless future, we shouldn’t disregard the value some people find in more traditional methods.

After all, it’s about what works best for each individual, and for some, that might just be a good old-fashioned piece of paper.

6) Dedicated Desks

In today’s offices, hot-desking is all the rage. The idea is simple: instead of having a dedicated desk, employees move around and sit wherever they please. It promotes collaboration and breaks down silos.

But for Boomers, this can be a jarring concept. They’re used to having a personal workspace – a desk they can call their own, adorned with family photos and personal mementos.

Here’s the twist though – having personal workspaces might not be as outdated as we think. Research suggests that having a dedicated desk can increase productivity and give employees a sense of belonging.

So, while hot-desking has its benefits, we shouldn’t be too quick to dismiss the value of a personal desk. It’s all about balance and finding what works best for your team.

7) Long-term Commitment

Boomers are known for their loyalty. It’s not uncommon to hear of Boomers who’ve dedicated their entire careers to a single company. For them, job hopping is a foreign concept.

In stark contrast, the younger generations are more likely to switch jobs every few years in search of better opportunities or simply for a change of scene.

This difference in mindset can cause friction in the workplace. Boomers might view their younger colleagues as lacking commitment, while the younger ones might see Boomers as being stuck in their ways.

But it’s important to understand that this isn’t about right or wrong. It’s just different perspectives shaped by different times. And bridging this gap can lead to a richer, more diverse work environment.

8) Traditional Retirement Plans

Boomers have always envisioned retirement as a distinct phase of life. Work hard, save, and then retire around 65 to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

But nowadays, the lines between work and retirement are becoming increasingly blurred.

Many people now choose to continue working past the traditional retirement age, whether out of necessity or simply because they love what they do.

For Boomers, this shift can be disconcerting. The idea of working well into their golden years might not align with their vision of a well-earned rest.

However, it’s important to remember that retirement is a deeply personal decision.

Everyone should have the freedom to choose their own path, whether it’s retiring early, working longer, or even starting a second career later in life.

Embracing Generational Differences

As we navigate the modern workplace, it’s crucial to remember that every generation brings its own set of values, norms, and expectations to the table.

Boomers, with their penchant for structure and tradition, have shaped the workplaces we know today. And while some norms may seem out of sync with today’s flexible and digital work culture, they hold lessons worth considering.

After all, the goal isn’t to erase these norms but to understand and blend them with our evolving work practices.

Because in diversity, there is strength. The more perspectives we have, the richer our workplaces become.

So, as you ponder over these eight norms, consider this quote by American author C. JoyBell C. – “The strength of every individual is the grace for great work.”

Whether you’re a Boomer holding onto certain traditions or a Millennial forging new paths, remember that every approach has its value.

May we continue to learn from each other, challenge each other, and create workplaces that are not just about productivity but about people.