Organizations are currently facing a cultural transformation and technological development that coexist with dynamic and competitive business models. This fuels a changing internal scenario that must also integrate four generations of professionals sharing a single labor market: the Baby Boomers, the X generation, the Millennials (Y) and the Z generation. In addition, there is the conspicuous presence of a fifth generation, previous to the Baby Boomers, some of whose members are still active contributing value to the organizations, regardless of their age and the years of service required for their formal retirement from the labor market.
Over the next few years, part of the Baby Boomer generation will gradually retire from the labor market to give way to a new one. Each generation accessing the labor market brings its typical set of characteristics that will be added to the particular aspects of the members of the existing groups. The generational entry and exit process will be cyclical and unlimited in time, and will also involve the emergence of new notions, different ways of working and technological transformations. This evolution shapes new paradigms that are ignited with each new generation, and evolve creating continuous changes in the mindset of all corporate lines, directly impacting their governance. It should also be noted that the pandemic created and/or reinforced different ways of approaching work, impacting on how the added value is built within the organizations, both internally and externally.
This complex background forces organizations to consider a new mindset based on flexibility, applying traditional and flexible concepts under a diversity and cultural integration that includes the thoughts of each generation of professionals who are active in the market. Having skills to approach different work strategies and knowing how to adjust to different situations will be key to succeed in this context.
The current scenario and the changes in the context lead companies to focus on innovation in the short, medium and long terms, in order to add value to their internal and external customers and to the ecosystem of the industry to which they belong.
Based on the changes that are taking place over the century and the existing trend, it will be key for companies to address them gradually and implement them through their projects.
The organizations and the disciplines encompassed must be prepared to face generational and contextual changes, and the practice of Project Management is no exception.