Spanning 5 Gens: How to Work Among Distinct Demo Groups

America has never fielded so many generations in the workplace as it has in the 2020s.

With Americans working longer, and technology more sharply segmenting the formative experiences of younger generations, a typical company often includes workers from four generations: Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Gen Z, or “iGen.” And with seniors the fastest growing segment of the population, and living longer lives, some workplaces still retain members of the “79 and up” Silent Generation, born before the first boomers in 1946.

The differences could be summed up as digital vs. analog natives: those who prefer tweets and snapchats versus those who favor land lines and a "tweety bird to the ear" (whispered gossip).

At the Conference of Automotive Remarketing, a session titled “From Boomers to Gen Z: Generational Approaches to Work, Communication, and Remarketing,” will explore how these practices play out among different age groups. Hosted by the International Automotive Remarketers Alliance, executive director Mark Coleman and IARA director of growth and operations Lauren Baker will moderate a panel to include: Zach van de Lagemaat of Element Fleet, Tony Markel of Credit Acceptance, Emma Pye of NextGear Capital/Cox Automotive, and Abbi Balk of Greater Rockford Auto Auction.

The general session will be held Wednesday, March 27 at 11:15 a.m. at the Hilton Phoenix at the Peak.

The panel will also detail the generational approaches to remarketing vehicles both in-lane and online, Coleman said. “Attendees can look forward to a mix of humor and actionable advice on how multi-generation teams can collaborate more effectively, communicate more efficiently, and achieve mutual remarketing goals together.”

Audience members can expect the following takeaway points:

• A focus on generational ways of working, communicating, accessing data, and interacting with each other and with customers.
• Generational practices related to remarketing, including tech tips, venue selection, and valuations.

“As a baby boomer in the auction lane, I typically relied on printed paper block reports and phone calls for if bids,” Coleman said. “My younger colleagues showed me more efficient ways of working, while I persuaded some of them that building relationships face-to-face still goes a long way in the car business."

CAR will be held March 26-28 with an agenda co-produced by the IARA and Bobit / Automotive Fleet. Early registration discount available through Feb. 23.